On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Independence from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, at AS USA we review everyone Central American players who have played in la NFL.
Guatemala
The highest Central American representative in the NFL is called Ted Hendricks. Born in the Guatemalan capital, the linebacker graduated from Miami to be drafted by the Colts. In total, he played 15 years in the NFL, defended the colors of Indianapolis, Green Bay and Raiders / Los Angeles, with whom he built a reputation. In total, he won four Super Bowls and is a member of the College and Professional Football Hall of Fame.
Besides Hendricks, John Hendy was also born in Guatemala City. Drafted in the third round of the 1985 Draft, the cornerback played one season with the Chargers, with whom he recorded four interceptions and was named to the All-Pro rookie team. That was his only season as a professional.
The Savior
José Cortez was born in San Vicente, a city located approximately 40 miles from the capital San Salvadorya at age 15 arrived as an undocumented migrant To united states. After graduating from Oregon State and not being drafted, he went through the Browns and Chargers practice squads before making his NFL debut with the Giants.
Total, Cortez spent five seasons in the NFL between 1999 and 2005 and he played for New York, San Francisco, Washinston, Minnesota, Indianapolos, Dallas and Philadelphia, converting 53 of 74 attempted field goals, also missing only one extra point.
Honduras
Ebert Van Buren (Tela) and Steven Van Buren (La Ceiba) were a pair of brothers who tasted the honeys of the NFL. While Ebert had a brief three-year stint in the NFL with the Eagles as a fullback (1951-1953), Steve made league history.
Steven Van Buren He played eight league seasons as a halfback and during his tenure with the Eagles he amassed 1,320 carries for 5,860 yards and 69 touchdowns; in addition, by air he had 45 receptions, 523 yards and three touchdowns. During his career he was elected to six All-NFL, won two old NFL titles and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1965.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Both nations have not had representatives in the NFL. Nevertheless, Nicaragua can boast Eddy Piñeiro, who despite being born in Miami, is son of Cuban and Nicaraguan migrants. The 25-year-old kicker has played for the Raiders and Bears and has 23 of 28 field goals scored.
