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{{Short description|American football player}}
{{Infobox NFL biography|embed=|name=Chidi Okeke|image=|image_size=|alt=|caption=|number=77|current_team=San Antonio Brahmas|position=[[Offensive Tackle]]|birth_date={{birth date and age|1996|12|26|mf=y}}|birth_place=[[Anambra, Nigeria]]|death_date=|death_place=|height_ft=6|height_in=6|weight_lb=315|high_school=Faith Baptist Christian Academy <br> ([[Ludowici, GA]])|college=[[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] (2015-2016)<br />[[Tennessee State]] (2017-2018)|undraftedyear=2019|pastteams=* [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
{{Infobox NFL biography
|embed=
|name=Chidi Okeke
|image=
|image_size=
|alt=
|caption=
|number=
|current_team=Winnipeg Blue Bombers
|position=[[Offensive tackle]]
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1996|12|26|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Anambra, Nigeria]]
|death_date=
|death_place=
|height_ft=6
|height_in=6
|weight_lb=315
|high_school=Faith Baptist Christian Academy <br> ([[Ludowici, GA]])
|college=[[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] (2015–2016)<br />[[Tennessee State]] (2017–2018)
|undraftedyear=2019
|pastteams=
* [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
Line 5: Line 27:
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|2021}})*
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|2021}})*
* [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] ({{USFL Year|2022}})
* [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] ({{USFL Year|2022}})
* [[San Antonio Brahmas]] ({{XFL Year|2023}})
* [[San Antonio Brahmas]] ({{XFL Year|2023}}-present)|status=Active|statleague=XFL|statseason=2023|statweek=10|statlabel1=Games Played|statvalue1=8|statlabel2=Games Started|statvalue2=6|statlabel7=|statvalue7=|statlabel8=|statvalue8=|nfl=|pfr=|statvalue6=|statlabel6=|highlights=* Phil Steele All-OVC First Team (2018)
* [[DC Defenders]] ({{UFL Year|2024}})*
⚫
* All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team (2018)}}Chidi Okeke (born December 26, 1996) is a Nigerian professional [[American football]] [[Tackle (gridiron football position)|offensive tackle]] for the [[San Antonio Brahmas]] of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]]. Okeke played football at [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] before transferring to [[Tennessee State University|Tennessee State]]. Okeke has also played for the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]], [[Miami Dolphins]], [[Kansas City Chiefs]], and the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL), the [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL), and the [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] of the [[United States Football League (2022)|United States Football League]] (USFL).
* [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] ({{UFL Year|2024}}–present)
|status=Active
|highlights=
* Phil Steele All-OVC First Team (2018)
* All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team (2018)
|statleague=XFL
|statseason=2023
|statweek=
|statlabel1=Games played
|statvalue1=10
|statlabel2=Games started
|statvalue2=6
|nfl=chidi-okeke
|pfr=OkekCh00
|cflstatus=Global}}
⚫
'''Chidi Okeke''' (born December 26, 1996) is a Nigerian professional [[American football]] [[offensive tackle]] for the [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL). He played [[college football]] at [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] before transferring to [[Tennessee State University|Tennessee State]]. Okeke has also spent time with the [[Washington Redskins]], [[Miami Dolphins]], [[Kansas City Chiefs]], and [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL); [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL); [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] of the [[United States Football League (2022)|United States Football League]] (USFL); and [[San Antonio Brahmas]] of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]].


== High School career ==
== High school career ==
Okeke played for Faith Baptist Christian Academy where he was a 5-star recruit. He was ranked as the 2nd best OT in the nation and the 22nd best player. Okeke also played in the U.S Army All-American Bowl. He would eventually commit to play for the [[LSU Tigers football|LSU Tigers]] after receiving offers from Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and more.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chidi Okeke, Faith Baptist Christian Academy , Offensive Tackle |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Chidi-Okeke-37919/high-school-134991/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>
Okeke played for Faith Baptist Christian Academy where he was a five-star recruit and was ranked as the second-best [[offensive tackle]] in the nation, as well as the 22nd best player nationally, according to [[247Sports]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chidi Okeke, Tennessee State Tigers, Offensive Tackle |url=https://247sports.com/player/chidi-okeke-37919/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/lsu-offensive-lineman-and-native-nigerian-chidi-okeke-flourishing-despite-little-experience-with-football/article_5e11c444-91d2-5b82-9c5c-bff3762fbfe2.html|newspaper=The Advocate|title=LSU offensive lineman and native Nigerian Chidi Okeke flourishing despite little experience with football|author=Dellenger, Ross|date=April 1, 2016}}</ref> He played in the [[U.S Army All-American Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Army All-American Bowl Roster 2015: Breaking Down Top Recruits in Marquee Game |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2316592-army-all-american-bowl-roster-2015-breaking-down-top-recruits-in-marquee-game |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>


Okeke committed to play for the [[LSU Tigers football|LSU Tigers]] over offers from Auburn and Alabama.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sayles |first=Damon |title=4-Star Chidi Valentine-Okeke Gives LSU Major Recruiting Win over Alabama, Auburn |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2346685-4-star-chidi-valentine-okeke-gives-lsu-major-recruiting-win-over-alabama-auburn |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
== College career ==


⚫
== College career ==
=== LSU ===
=== LSU ===
In 2015, Okeke redshirted his freshman year and did not play. In 2016, Okeke played in 11 games for LSU in his sophomore season.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Chidi Okeke - 2018 - Football |url=https://tsutigers.com/sports/football/roster/chidi-okeke/3072 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Tennessee State University |language=en}}</ref>
In 2015, Okeke redshirted his freshman year and did not play.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2019-07-08 |title=Chidi Okeke |url=https://lsusports.net/roster/chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref> The following year, he played in 11 games for LSU.<ref name=":1" /> He announced that he would be transferring in December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DELLENGER |first=ROSS |date=2016-12-13 |title=LSU offensive tackle Chidi Okeke transferring |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/lsu-offensive-tackle-chidi-okeke-transferring/article_b764960a-c144-11e6-86cf-0fc318725182.html |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=The Advocate |language=en}}</ref>


=== Tennessee State ===
=== Tennessee State ===
Okeke transferred to Tennessee State in 2017 and appeared in 11 games, 10 as a starter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEC transfers Chidi Okeke, Christian Morris find it tough to crack TSU's starting lineup |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2017/08/17/sec-transfers-chidi-okeke-christian-morristsu-lineup/572785001/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref> He started all nine games in 2018, mainly as a left tackle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Chidi Okeke – 2018 – Football |url=https://tsutigers.com/sports/football/roster/chidi-okeke/3072 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Tennessee State University |language=en}}</ref>
Okeke transferred to Tennessee State in 2017, where he played 11 games, starting in 10 games.

In 2018, Okeke was one of six Tigers to start all 9 games where he mostly played Left Tackle.<ref name=":0" />


== Professional career ==
== Professional career ==

=== Washington Redskins ===
=== Washington Redskins ===
After going Undrafted in the [[2019 NFL Draft]], Okeke signed with the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]] on April 27, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins sign TSU lineman Chidi Okeke to free agent deal |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2019/04/27/washington-redskins-sign-tsu-lineman-chidi-okeke-free-agent-deal/3603882002/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on May 23, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Redskins Sign OT Adam Bisnowaty, Waive Chidi Okeke |url=https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-sign-ot-adam-bisnowaty-waive-chidi-okeke |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.commanders.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
After going unselected in the [[2019 NFL Draft]], Okeke signed with the [[Washington Redskins]] on April 27, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins sign TSU lineman Chidi Okeke to free agent deal |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2019/04/27/washington-redskins-sign-tsu-lineman-chidi-okeke-free-agent-deal/3603882002/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on May 23, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Redskins Sign OT Adam Bisnowaty, Waive Chidi Okeke |url=https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-sign-ot-adam-bisnowaty-waive-chidi-okeke |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.commanders.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Kansas City Chiefs ===
=== Kansas City Chiefs ===
On May 29, 2019, The [[Kansas City Chiefs]] signed Okeke.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2019-05-29 |title=Chiefs Sign OT Chidi Okeke |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/chiefs-sign-ot-chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on August 31, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-31 |title=Chiefs roster cuts 2019: Here's who has been released |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/31/kansas-city-chiefs-roster-cuts-2019-heres-who-has-been-released/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Chiefs Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>
On May 29, 2019, the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] signed Okeke.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2019-05-29 |title=Chiefs Sign OT Chidi Okeke |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/chiefs-sign-ot-chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2019/06/14/kansas-city-chiefs-undrafted-free-agent-spotlight-tennessee-state-ot-chidi-okeke/|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|title=Chiefs UDFA Spotlight: Tennessee State OT Chidi Okeke|date=June 14, 2019|author=Goldman, Charles}}</ref> He was released on August 31.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-31 |title=Chiefs roster cuts 2019: Here's who has been released |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/31/kansas-city-chiefs-roster-cuts-2019-heres-who-has-been-released/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Chiefs Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Miami Dolphins ===
=== Miami Dolphins ===
On September 10, 2019, The [[Miami Dolphins]] signed Okeke to their Practice Squad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2019-09-10 |title=NFL Transactions: Tuesday 9/10 |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/nfl-transactions-tuesday-9-10/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> He signed a Future contract after the season, but was released on March 18, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulrich |first=Logan |date=2020-03-18 |title=Dolphins Release Six Including LB Mike Hull |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/dolphins-release-lb-mike-hull/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref>
On September 10, 2019, Okeke was signed to the [[practice squad]] of the [[Miami Dolphins]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2019-09-10 |title=NFL Transactions: Tuesday 9/10 |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/nfl-transactions-tuesday-9-10/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> He signed a future contract after the season, but was released on March 18, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulrich |first=Logan |date=2020-03-18 |title=Dolphins Release Six Including LB Mike Hull |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/dolphins-release-lb-mike-hull/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Saskatchewan Roughriders ===
=== Saskatchewan Roughriders ===
The [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]] signed Okeke on February 17, 2021, but he did not play for them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=3Down |date=2021-02-17 |title=Riders sign former NFL offensive lineman Chidi Okeke |url=https://3downnation.com/2021/02/17/riders-sign-former-nfl-offensive-lineman-chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}</ref>
Okeke was signed by the [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) on February 17, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2021/02/17/riders-sign-former-nfl-offensive-lineman-chidi-okeke/|website=3DownNation.com|title=Riders sign former NFL offensive lineman Chidi Okeke|date=February 17, 2021}}</ref> He was released on April 27.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.620ckrm.com/2021/04/27/riders-sign-wr-tevin-jones/|publisher=[[CKRM]]|title=Riders sign WR Tevin Jones|date=April 27, 2021}}</ref>


=== Tampa Bay Buccaneers ===
=== Tampa Bay Buccaneers ===
On July 29, 2021, Okeke signed with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodall |first=Zach |date=2021-07-29 |title=Buccaneers Sign OT Chidi Okeke |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-sign-chidi-okeke-2021 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Tampa Bay Buccaneers {{!}} BucsGameday {{!}} Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> He was released with an Injury designation on August 24, 2022 and reverted to Injured Reserve the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2021-08-25 |title=NFL Transactions: Wednesday 8/25 |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/nfl-transactions-wednesday-8-25/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on August 30, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-04 |title=Chidi Okeke Archives |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/tag/chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref>
On July 29, 2021, Okeke returned to the NFL and signed with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodall |first=Zach |date=2021-07-29 |title=Buccaneers Sign OT Chidi Okeke |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-sign-chidi-okeke-2021 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Tampa Bay Buccaneers {{!}} BucsGameday {{!}} Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> He was waived with an injury designation on August 24<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2021-08-24 |title=NFL Transactions: Tuesday 8/24 |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/nfl-transactions-tuesday-8-24/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> and reverted to injured reserve the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2021-08-25 |title=NFL Transactions: Wednesday 8/25 |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/nfl-transactions-wednesday-8-25/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on August 30.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-04 |title=Chidi Okeke Archives |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/tag/chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Pittsburgh Maulers ===
=== Pittsburgh Maulers ===
On February 22, 2022, the [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] selected Okeke in the 5th Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USFL Draft 2022: Every pick of every round for every team |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/usfl/usfl-draft-2022-every-pick |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> He started and played in all 10 games for the Maulers. His contract expired at the end of the season.
On February 22, 2022, the [[Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)|Pittsburgh Maulers]] selected Okeke in the fifth round of the [[2022 USFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=USFL Draft 2022: Every pick of every round for every team |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/usfl/usfl-draft-2022-every-pick |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> He was the first offensive tackle selected in the offensive tackle phase of the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-25 |title=Top offensive tackles picked in USFL Draft |url=https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/top-offensive-tackles-picked-in-usfl-draft/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=American Football International |language=en-US}}</ref> He appeared in and started all 10 games for the Maulers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://profootballarchives.com/playero/okek00050.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Chidi Okeke Stats}}</ref>


=== San Antonio Brahmas ===
=== San Antonio Brahmas ===
On January 1, 2023, the [[San Antonio Brahmas]] selected Okeke with the 2nd Overall Pick in the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor |first=XFLBoard |date=2023-01-01 |title=San Antonio Brahmas selections in the XFL Supplemental Draft |url=https://xflboard.com/news/san-antonio-brahmas-selections-in-the-xfl-supplemental-draft/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=XFL News and Discussion |language=en-US}}</ref> Okeke started and played 6 games for the Brahmas in 2023.
On January 1, 2023, the [[San Antonio Brahmas]] selected Okeke with the second overall pick in the [[2023 XFL Draft|2023 XFL Supplemental Draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supplemental Draft Picks |url=https://www.xfl.com/supplemental-draft-2023 |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=www.xfl.com |language=en}}</ref> He appeared in all 10 games, six as a starter.<ref name=":2" />


== Personal Life ==
=== DC Defenders ===
On January 15, 2024, Okeke was selected by the [[DC Defenders]] in the fourth round of the Super Draft portion of the [[2024 UFL dispersal draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rachuk |first=Stephan |date=2024-01-15 |title=2024 United Football League (UFL) Super Draft Tracker |url=https://pfnewsroom.com/news/2024-united-football-league-ufl-super-draft-tracker/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Pro Football Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref> He signed with the team on January 24.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=UFL_PR |title=The United Football League, the premier spring football league, has agreed to terms with the following 8 players for the upcoming 2024 season. |number=1750315489593528795 |date=January 24, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2024}}</ref> He was released on March 10, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title=UFL Teams Set their Training Camp Rosters to 58 |url=https://uflboard.com/news/ufl-teams-set-their-training-camp-rosters-to-58/ |website=UFLBoard.com |date=March 10, 2024 |access-date=March 10, 2024}}</ref>
Okeke is the son of Chubueze Lawrence Okeke and Caroline Chiemenam Okeke. He moved from Nigeria to the United States in August of 2013. In Nigeria, Okeke played Soccer his entire life and never played Football until he moved. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-08 |title=Chidi Okeke |url=https://lsusports.net/roster/chidi-okeke/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref> Okeke has 8 siblings, and was the only member of his family to move to the United States from Nigeria. Okeke's mother passed away in April of 2022 during the 2022 USFL season. Okeke's father also passed away in 2004.

=== Winnipeg Blue Bombers ===
On May 6, 2024, Okeke signed with the [[Winnipeg Blue Bombers]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transactions - Football Player Trades and Signings |url=https://www.cfl.ca/transactions/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In 2013, Okeke moved to the United States from Nigeria where he played soccer and basketball.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Kayla |date=2016-08-01 |title=Offensive lineman Chidi Okeke shares how he's adapted to Louisiana |url=https://www.225batonrouge.com/our-city/offensive-lineman-chidi-okeke-shares-hes-adapted-louisiana |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=[225] |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Okeke, Chidi}}
[[Category:1996 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American football offensive tackles]]
[[Category:Canadian football offensive linemen]]
[[Category:Nigerian players of American football]]
[[Category:Nigerian players of Canadian football]]
[[Category:LSU Tigers football players]]
[[Category:Tennessee State Tigers football players]]
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Miami Dolphins players]]
[[Category:Saskatchewan Roughriders players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Maulers (2022) players]]
[[Category:San Antonio Brahmas players]]
[[Category:DC Defenders players]]

Revision as of 23:02, 7 May 2024

Chidi Okeke
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1996-12-26) December 26, 1996 (age 27)
Anambra, Nigeria
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:315 lb (143 kg)
Career information
High school:Faith Baptist Christian Academy
(Ludowici, GA)
College:LSU (2015–2016)
Tennessee State (2017–2018)
Undrafted:2019
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
CFL status:Global
Career highlights and awards
  • Phil Steele All-OVC First Team (2018)
  • All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team (2018)
Career XFL statistics as of 2023
Games played:10
Games started:6
Player stats at PFR

Chidi Okeke (born December 26, 1996) is a Nigerian professional American football offensive tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at LSU before transferring to Tennessee State. Okeke has also spent time with the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL); Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL); Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL); and San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

High school career

Okeke played for Faith Baptist Christian Academy where he was a five-star recruit and was ranked as the second-best offensive tackle in the nation, as well as the 22nd best player nationally, according to 247Sports.[1][2] He played in the U.S Army All-American Bowl.[3]

Okeke committed to play for the LSU Tigers over offers from Auburn and Alabama.[4]

College career

LSU

In 2015, Okeke redshirted his freshman year and did not play.[5] The following year, he played in 11 games for LSU.[5] He announced that he would be transferring in December 2016.[6]

Tennessee State

Okeke transferred to Tennessee State in 2017 and appeared in 11 games, 10 as a starter.[7] He started all nine games in 2018, mainly as a left tackle.[8]

Professional career

Washington Redskins

After going unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft, Okeke signed with the Washington Redskins on April 27, 2019.[9] He was released on May 23, 2019.[10]

Kansas City Chiefs

On May 29, 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Okeke.[11][12] He was released on August 31.[13]

Miami Dolphins

On September 10, 2019, Okeke was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.[14] He signed a future contract after the season, but was released on March 18, 2020.[15]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Okeke was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on February 17, 2021.[16] He was released on April 27.[17]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On July 29, 2021, Okeke returned to the NFL and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[18] He was waived with an injury designation on August 24[19] and reverted to injured reserve the next day.[20] He was released on August 30.[21]

Pittsburgh Maulers

On February 22, 2022, the Pittsburgh Maulers selected Okeke in the fifth round of the 2022 USFL draft.[22] He was the first offensive tackle selected in the offensive tackle phase of the draft.[23] He appeared in and started all 10 games for the Maulers.[24]

San Antonio Brahmas

On January 1, 2023, the San Antonio Brahmas selected Okeke with the second overall pick in the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft.[25] He appeared in all 10 games, six as a starter.[24]

DC Defenders

On January 15, 2024, Okeke was selected by the DC Defenders in the fourth round of the Super Draft portion of the 2024 UFL dispersal draft.[26] He signed with the team on January 24.[27] He was released on March 10, 2024.[28]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

On May 6, 2024, Okeke signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[29]

Personal life

In 2013, Okeke moved to the United States from Nigeria where he played soccer and basketball.[30]

References

  1. ^ "Chidi Okeke, Tennessee State Tigers, Offensive Tackle". 247Sports. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  2. ^ Dellenger, Ross (April 1, 2016). "LSU offensive lineman and native Nigerian Chidi Okeke flourishing despite little experience with football". The Advocate.
  3. ^ Chiari, Mike. "Army All-American Bowl Roster 2015: Breaking Down Top Recruits in Marquee Game". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  4. ^ Sayles, Damon. "4-Star Chidi Valentine-Okeke Gives LSU Major Recruiting Win over Alabama, Auburn". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  5. ^ a b "Chidi Okeke". LSU. 2019-07-08. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  6. ^ DELLENGER, ROSS (2016-12-13). "LSU offensive tackle Chidi Okeke transferring". The Advocate. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  7. ^ "SEC transfers Chidi Okeke, Christian Morris find it tough to crack TSU's starting lineup". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  8. ^ "Chidi Okeke – 2018 – Football". Tennessee State University. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  9. ^ "Washington Redskins sign TSU lineman Chidi Okeke to free agent deal". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  10. ^ "Redskins Sign OT Adam Bisnowaty, Waive Chidi Okeke". www.commanders.com. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  11. ^ Bouda, Nate (2019-05-29). "Chiefs Sign OT Chidi Okeke". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  12. ^ Goldman, Charles (June 14, 2019). "Chiefs UDFA Spotlight: Tennessee State OT Chidi Okeke". USA Today.
  13. ^ "Chiefs roster cuts 2019: Here's who has been released". Chiefs Wire. 2019-08-31. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  14. ^ Bouda, Nate (2019-09-10). "NFL Transactions: Tuesday 9/10". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  15. ^ Ulrich, Logan (2020-03-18). "Dolphins Release Six Including LB Mike Hull". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  16. ^ "Riders sign former NFL offensive lineman Chidi Okeke". 3DownNation.com. February 17, 2021.
  17. ^ "Riders sign WR Tevin Jones". CKRM. April 27, 2021.
  18. ^ Goodall, Zach (2021-07-29). "Buccaneers Sign OT Chidi Okeke". Tampa Bay Buccaneers | BucsGameday | Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  19. ^ Bouda, Nate (2021-08-24). "NFL Transactions: Tuesday 8/24". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  20. ^ Bouda, Nate (2021-08-25). "NFL Transactions: Wednesday 8/25". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  21. ^ "Chidi Okeke Archives". NFLTradeRumors.co. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  22. ^ "USFL Draft 2022: Every pick of every round for every team". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  23. ^ "Top offensive tackles picked in USFL Draft". American Football International. 2022-02-25. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  24. ^ a b "Chidi Okeke Stats". Pro Football Archives.
  25. ^ "Supplemental Draft Picks". www.xfl.com. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  26. ^ Rachuk, Stephan (2024-01-15). "2024 United Football League (UFL) Super Draft Tracker". Pro Football Newsroom. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  27. ^ @UFL_PR (January 25, 2024). "The United Football League, the premier spring football league, has agreed to terms with the following 8 players for the upcoming 2024 season" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2024 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ "UFL Teams Set their Training Camp Rosters to 58". UFLBoard.com. March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  29. ^ "Transactions - Football Player Trades and Signings". CFL.ca. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  30. ^ Randall, Kayla (2016-08-01). "Offensive lineman Chidi Okeke shares how he's adapted to Louisiana". [225]. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
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