Soccer to NFL Success Stories: The Remarkable Journey of Brandon Aubrey and Others

Aquib Nawab

NFL

Credits: nbcdfw

1. Obed Ariri

Becoming the NFL's first Nigerian player, his soccer journey began when Clemson University scouted him. Unexpectedly, he joined the college's football team as a kicker, playing for two NFL seasons.

Credits: Tiger pregame show

Credits: Raiders Wire

2. Chris Bahr

Former NASL midfielder, Philadelphia Atoms player, Chris Bahr, made a remarkable switch in 1976, joining the NFL, and played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers.

3. Matt Bahr

Matt Bahr's soccer past included NASL with Colorado Caribous & Tulsa Roughnecks and ASL with Pennsylvania Stoners, shifted to the NFL in 1979. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and others.

Credits: Kent State Sports

Credits: ESPN

4. Toni Fritsch

An ex-Austrian soccer star, achieved a rare feat with titles at Rapid Vienna and a Super Bowl win with Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the NFL for San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, and Houston Gamblers.

5. Florian Kempf

Formerly a soccer player with the Pennsylvania Stoners and Philadelphia Fury in ASL & NASL, transitioned to the NFL as a placekicker. He had a four-season stint with the New Orleans Saints and Houston Oilers.

Credits: NASL Jerseys

Credits: Jacksonville

6. Josh Lambo

Once a goalkeeper for FC Dallas, Lambo retired from soccer at 21 and embarked on an eight-season NFL journey with the San Diego Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars, with brief stints at the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad and the Tennessee Titans.

7. Tony Linhart

This Austrian athlete excelled in domestic soccer with Wiener Sportclub and First Vienna FC and represented the national soccer team. In 1972, he shifted to the NFL, playing for the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Colts, and New York Jets.

Credits: Tony Linhart

Credits: NASL Jerseys

8. Horst Muhlmann

After initially playing for Germany's Schalke 04 and the NASL's Kansas City Spurs, Horst Muhlmann ventured into the NFL, representing the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles.

9. Neil O’Donoghue

Standing tall at 6'6", began his athletic journey in soccer, playing for the Dublin side Round Towers GAA. Subsequently, he transitioned to the NFL, playing for the Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Credits: Irish Times

Credits: NYPost

10. Brandon Aubrey

The NFL record-breaker had stints with MLS's Toronto FC and ASL's Bethlehem Steel FC. After two years at Mississippi State, he was drafted by the Birmingham Stallions in 2022, and he's currently showcasing his talent with the Dallas Cowboys.

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