Ghana may be famous around the world for producing outstanding footballers, boxers and athletes, but the country’s connection to American football is also gaining attention as players with Ghanaian roots continue to make their presence felt around the NFL.
Among the names flying the Ghanaian flag are Thomas Incoom, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Brian Asamoah II, three defensive players whose journeys have helped put Ghanaian heritage in the spotlight in one of America’s biggest sporting leagues.
Thomas Incoom, who was born in Ghana, currently plays linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. The 27-year-old entered the NFL in 2023 as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos before eventually joining Carolina. He has remained part of the Panthers’ defensive and special-teams unit and has appeared in all three of Carolina’s opening games of the 2026 regular season.
Another prominent name is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, a linebacker with the Cleveland Browns who proudly embraces his Ghanaian ancestry. A former Notre Dame standout, Owusu-Koramoah was selected with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and earned Pro Bowl recognition following his impressive 2023 campaign.
His connection to Ghana stretches far beyond his name. Owusu-Koramoah has organized American football camps in Ghana and has frequently celebrated his heritage through traditional Ghanaian-inspired fashion. However, his playing career has faced uncertainty following a serious neck injury, and he remains on Cleveland’s reserve/PUP list during the 2026 season.
Brian Asamoah II, another linebacker of Ghanaian heritage, also represents the growing influence of Ghanaian families within American football. After establishing himself at the University of Oklahoma, Asamoah entered the NFL and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings. NFL.com currently lists him as an unrestricted free agent, meaning his next opportunity could come with another franchise.
Their journeys demonstrate how Ghana’s sporting influence continues to extend beyond traditional football. As the NFL expands its activities across Africa, Ghanaian players and those of Ghanaian descent are helping inspire a new generation to dream about reaching the American football stage.
