Ranking all 33 foreign-born players in NY Jets history
By Justin Fried
![NY Jets, Nathan Shepherd NY Jets, Nathan Shepherd](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3530,h_1985,x_0,y_134/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/30/01h73r1assjfc268wkm6.jpg)
21. Raul Allegre, K, NY Jets
- Country of Birth: Mexico
- Jets playing career: 1991
Another kicker, and another player who was called upon to replace an injured Pat Leahy. Raul Allegre was signed by the Jets for the final game of the 1991 season — a must-win against the Miami Dolphins in which a Jets win would secure a playoff berth.
Allegre would connect on a game-tying field goal in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime before hitting a game-winning 30-yard attempt in the extra period to send his team to the postseason.
Allegre actually kicked for the Jets in their unsuccessful playoff outing against the Houston Oilers, making both of his kicks. Those were the only two games Allegre would play with the Jets, but his impact in those games propels him up the list.
20. Tim Tebow, QB?, NY Jets
- Country of Birth: The Philippines
- Jets playing career: 2012
Ah yes, we've reached Tim Tebow. Tebow was actually born in The Philippines to American parents who founded and built a ministry during their time in the country as missionaries.
Most known for his time at Florida and in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, Tebow infamously spent the 2012 season with the Jets. Tebow was primarily used on special teams and as a wildcat QB with the Jets, although his presence alone sparked a quarterback controversy.
In total, Tebow made 12 appearances with the Jets, completing 6-of-8 passes for 39 yards while rushing for 102 yards on 32 attempts. And thus ended one of the most peculiar stints by a player in Jets history.
19. Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, NY Jets
- Country of Birth: Nigeria
- Jets playing career: 2018
The well-traveled Jeremiah Attaochu somewhat forgettably spent the 2018 season with the Jets. A former second-round pick, Attaochu is probably best known for his stint with the Chargers from 2014-2017.
Attaochu played 11 games for the Jets in 2018, finishing with two sacks, nine tackles, and five QB hits as a regular part of the team's pass-rush rotation. In total, the Nigerian native played 171 defensive snaps and 95 special-teams snaps for the Jets that season.
Attaochu has since bounced around the NFL, last playing for the Baltimore Ravens and Chargers (again) in 2022. The nine-year veteran has had a pretty solid NFL career, but his one season with the Jets has largely been forgotten.