日本人初のプロフットボーラーは阿部、池之上、伊藤の3名では?

http://www.worldleagueofamericanfootball.com/id171.html
February 26, 1996
Three Japanese players -- Takuro Abe, Takahiro Ikenoue, and Shigemasa Ito -- are selected to play in the World League following tryouts in Tokyo.
The trio are the first Japanese players to play professional football.