John Daka

John Daka (born December 7, 1997) is an American former professional football defensive lineman. He played college football at James Madison University. He was the first player of Zambian descent to sign with a National Football League team.

College career Daka enrolled at James Madison University despite interest from FBS schools and got off to a slow start to his career with 23 tackles and one sack over his first two seasons. He led the Football Championship Subdivision with 16.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in the 2019 season and was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association first team.

Baltimore Ravens Daka was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2020.

New York Jets On January 12, 2021, Daka signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Jets.

Los Angeles Rams On May 4, 2021, Daka was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. He was waived on August 31, 2021.

Chicago Bears On January 6, 2022, Daka was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad.

Houston Roughnecks On November 17, 2022, Daka was drafted by the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL. The Roughnecks brand was transferred to the Houston Gamblers when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).

St. Louis Battlehawks Daka was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the fourth round of the Super Draft portion of the 2024 UFL dispersal draft on January 15, 2024. He signed with the team on January 23. He was released on March 10, 2024.

Toronto Argonauts Daka signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on April 29, 2024, as a defensive lineman. He was placed on the reserve/suspended list on May 12, 2024. He was eventually released from his contract on September 16, 2024.