Over the years, the sport of football as people have known it has expanded to new heights- with the game expanding into international waters. One of these overseas talents has undeniably been a terrifying force to be reckoned with during his final year of eligibility.
Miami EDGE rusher Akheem Mesidor; a native of Ottawa, Canada has had a standout 2025 campaign with the Hurricanes. This year, Mesidor has been electric off the edge, recording 56 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Over the years, the sport of football has grown from being one of America’s pleasures into an international superpower. Recently, the National Football League has made it a point to expand to major global metropolitans like London (United Kingdom), Berlin (Germany), Madrid (Spain) and São Paulo (Brazil). During Tuesday afternoon’s Fiesta Bowl Media Day with the Miami Hurricanes, Akheem made sure to show respect to his Canadian roots, while providing words of encouragement for international student athletes across the globe:
“It means a lot. A lot of guys back home don’t get this opportunity. Most of the people I grew up with all played football. They all had dreams and aspirations to play Division I football, but not everybody can make it out. A small amount of guys are able to do that. And I was able to do that.” Mesidor shared. “I try to live their dreams through me. Every time I can, I bring back gear for them, or whatever it is. I want them to be able to experience this as much as they possibly can. Any message I have for any Canadian or international students is just understand you’re at a disadvantage, but embrace that and keep working because anything is possible.”
Football has seen quite a surge in Canadian influence over the years. Ahead of the 2025 season, the NFL featured over 30 Canadian born athletes including New York Giants S Jevon Holland, Carolina Panthers RB Chubba Hubbard and Cincinnati Bengals RB Chase Brown.
When Akheem Mesidor takes his talents to professional waters, he will be just a handful of Canadian born defensive lineman to make it to the League. But he is making an impact far beyond his roots, his skill speaks for itself without a doubt.
