Overview:
A look at NFL players and coaches of Haitian descent entering the 2025 season, from rising stars like Mike Sainristil and Ashton Jeanty to seasoned veterans and coaches shaping the future of the league.
We’re officially in the thick of Week 5 of the NFL season, the point where playoff hopes start to solidify, and breakout stars begin to separate from the pack. Last week, two Haitian-American players went head-to-head in a close Raiders-Bears clash, with Las Vegas rookie Ashton Jeanty stealing the spotlight. The Boise State alum had a statement game, racking up 138 rushing yards, a 64-yard touchdown run, and two receiving scores, becoming the first Raiders rookie since Bo Jackson in 1987 to score three touchdowns in a single game.
Jeanty’s emergence adds to the growing legacy of Haitian-descended players making waves in the NFL. From veteran coaches to rookie playmakers, this season is already showing how deep and diverse Haiti’s football footprint has become.
As we head deeper into the season, here are some Haitian players and coaches to keep an eye on, names you’ll likely hear more about before the playoffs roll around.
Lemuel Jeanpierre (Coach) | Miami Dolphins
Undrafted out of the University of South Carolina in 2010, Lemuel went on to play for the Seattle Seahawks for six years from 2010-2015 now serves as an offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins entering his 15th season with the NFL.
Jacques Cesaire (Coach) | Cleveland Browns
Cesaire played nine years for the San Diego Chargers. He is currently the Cleveland Browns’ defensive line coach, after previous stints with the Buffalo Bills (assistant defensive line) and Houston Texans (defensive line).
#31 – Kerby Joseph (Safety) | Detroit Lions
Drafted in the third round (97th overall) of the 2022 draft from the University of Illinois, Joseph has become a key member of the Lions’ secondary.
#0 Mike Sainristil (Cornerback) | Washington Commanders
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sainristil was drafted 50th overall out of the University of Michigan after winning a National Title with the Wolverines.
#90 Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Defensive End) | Washington Commanders
Jean-Baptiste’s college career included stints at The Ohio State and Notre Dame. He was drafted in the seventh round of 2024 7th, the same year as his fellow Haitian teammate Sainristil.
#15 Nikolas Bonitto (Linebacker) | Denver Broncos
Bonitto grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before being recruited to play for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The Broncos drafted him in the second round (64th overall) of the 2022 draft.
#2 Ashton Jeanty (Running Back) | Las Vegas Raiders
Drafted first round sixth pick out of Boise State University the Heisman trophy finalist had his Monday Night Football debut against the Los Angeles Chargers.
#47 Ruben Hyppolite II (Linebacker) | Chicago Bears
Hyppolite, who grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., graduated high school a year early and went on to play for the University of Maryland He was selected in 2025 in the fourth round, making it his first year in the NFL.
#54 Brandon Dorlus (Defensive Tackle) | Atlanta Falcons
Also a Fort Lauderdale native, Dorlus played at Oregon before being drafted in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 draft. He is entering his second NFL season.
#69 Sebastian Joseph-Day (Defensive End) | Tennessee Titans
A Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, Joseph-Day later played for the Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers. He now lines up for the Tennessee Titans.
Like this:
Loading…
