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Though small in number, Armenians and Armenian-Americans have played meaningful roles in shaping professional football, leaving their mark on championships, dynasties, and the history of the game itself. Today, on Super Bowl Sunday, we recognize the Armenian impact on football’s biggest stage, and the championship legacy Armenians have built across the NFL’s eras.
Garo Yepremian
One of the most iconic Armenian figures in NFL history, Garo Yepremian was an Armenian-Cypriot American placekicker who starred for the Miami Dolphins during their golden era. He helped lead the Dolphins to back-to-back Super Bowl victories (VII and VIII), including the 1972 perfect season, the only undefeated championship season in NFL history. A two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, Yepremian was among the league’s top scorers of his generation.
Ben Agajanian
Known as “The Toeless Wonder,” Ben Agajanian was an Armenian-American pioneer of professional football’s kicking game. After losing four toes in an accident, he returned to the sport and became one of the most recognizable kickers of the 1940s–60s, playing across the NFL, AAFC, and AFL. His distinctive square-toe kicking style and longevity helped shape modern special teams play.
Steve Furness
A key contributor to the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense, Steve Furness, of Armenian descent, won four Super Bowl championships (IX, X, XIII, XIV). As part of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history, Furness helped define an era of dominance and toughness that still sets the standard today.
Don Paul
Don Paul was a standout linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, playing a crucial role in the team’s 1951 NFL Championship. A three-time Pro Bowler, Paul was one of the defining defensive players of the Rams’ early championship years and a prominent Armenian-American presence in the league’s formative era.
Alex Agase
Born to an Armenian mother and Assyrian father, Alex Agase left his mark both on and off the field. He won professional championships with the Cleveland Browns during the late 1940s and early 1950s, then went on to a distinguished career as a college head coach and athletic director, shaping football leadership well beyond his playing days.
Berj Najarian
Not all Armenian impact in the NFL happens on the field. Berj Najarian has served in senior leadership roles within the New England Patriots organization, including Director of Football/Head Coach Administration, during one of the most successful dynasties in sports history. He has also used his platform to raise awareness for Armenian causes, proving influence extends far beyond game day.
Brock Purdy
In the modern era, Brock Purdy made history as the first quarterback of Armenian descent to start in a Super Bowl. His rise from the final pick of the NFL Draft to leading a Super Bowl team became one of football’s most remarkable stories, inspiring Armenian fans worldwide and adding a new chapter to this legacy.
From championship kickers and dynasty defenders to executives and modern stars, Armenians have left a lasting imprint on the NFL. On Super Bowl Sunday, we celebrate not just the game, but the Armenian stories woven into its history.
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