An amazing story has been developing within the Chargers organization. The defensive lineman C.J. Okoye has had a remarkable NFL journey so far and has already exceeded many expectations. Good Morning Football did a great job showing his first NFL sack and the meaning behind it. He was later interviewed about it and said this, “Believe me when I tell you I didn’t even know that was a sack.”
Okoye was born in Nigeria in 2001. He loved playing sports with his main focus on basketball. His size was noticed and he was referred to an NFL Africa camp led by former player Osi Umenyiora. Osi noticed his rare athleticism and size and invited him to the official 2022 NFL Africa camp where NFL scouts watch. He started out as an offensive lineman in the camps. Okoye was one of eight to get an NFL training camp opportunity from the NFL Africa camp.
Now, Okoye is fighting his way to earn an actual NFL roster spot as a defensive lineman. He is very new to the game as he has only played in two organized football games. Despite this, he looks like a highly trained lineman with the ability to stuff the run and force pressure on the quarterback.
Okoye’s future is completely up in the air as he was not expected to play as well as he has. The Chargers brought in a bunch of defensive lineman to compete for depth spots. Okoye is one of ten defensive lineman on the Chargers roster at the moment.
It is clear that it is an uphill battle for Okoye, but it’s been that way for a long time for him and he hasn’t blinked. The final preseason game against the 49ers will have a major impact on his NFL journey with the Chargers. He has borderline played well enough to earn a practice squad spot. Okoye has played great, but there are so many lineman ahead of him on the roster that playing great might not be enough. However, if Okoye can put up another performance like last week, the Chargers may be forced to give Okoye a chance in the big league.
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Featured image courtesy of NFL.com
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