Amani Oruwariye

Amani Oruwariye's Biography

Amani Oruwariye, born on February 9, 1996, is a notable figure in American professional football, primarily occupying the position of a cornerback. Currently, he provides his adept skills to the Dallas Cowboys, parading his skills in the National Football League (NFL). However, a look into his journey tells much more than his current status, illustrating an individual who’s resolute will-to-win, hard work and talent led him through various stages of American Football, rooting from his high school years at Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida.

During his time in high school, Oruwariye showed visible talent and dedication that paid off handsomely. For three consecutive years, he lettered, achieving recognition for his commendable performance. The ultimate honor arrived in his final year when his teammates voted him the Most Valuable Player. He continued to represent his school at the Hillsborough County All-Star Game. By the time he was ready for college, he carried a three-star recruit label from all four major recruiting services, standing among the top 100 prospects in Florida, according to 247Sports and Rivals. Later on, he committed to Vanderbilt University but later decommitted to follow Head Coach James Franklin to Penn State, displaying a firm decision-making skill to step towards better opportunities.

Stepping into his dream of playing for Penn State, Oruwariye redshirted his true freshman season. By his redshirt freshman year, he had started participating in critical special teams action. Fast forward to 2016, he had become an essential part of the team path to Penn State’s first Big Ten Championship Game victory. He amazingly grabbed his first intercept against Kent State, showing no hesitation in returning it for a touchdown.

The 2017 season became even more fruitful for Oruwariye as he intercepted four times refreshing his personal best tally while finishing as the fourth-best in the Big Ten. Both the coaches and media recognized his performance and declared him second all-B1G. Except for one game, he participated in all, helping Penn State clinch its first Fiesta Bowl victory since 1997.

With substantial growth, Oruwariye seemed unstoppable. His redshirt senior year was immense as he started each of Penn State’s 12 games, intercepting three passes and setting career highs in tackles, pass defenses, and forced fumbles. Recognized by coaches, media, AP, and ESPN, he was named to their All-B1G teams. Amidst accolades he received an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl with discussions around him potentially being a first round pick.

In the 2019 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions drafted Oruwariye during the fifth round, becoming the 146th pick overall. He concluded his season on the team’s depth chart securing the third spot, boasting two interceptions. The following year, Oruwariye was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but quickly reactivated within 10 days. Tracing his performance that year, he marked his first interception of the season against the Carolina Panthers.

Starting 2021, Oruwariye entered as a starting cornerback for the Lions. He initiated the first 14 games, but unfortunately suffered a thumb injury in Week 15, forcing his placement on injured reserve, terminating his season prematurely. However, he left an imposing mark with 57 tackles, a team-leading ranking of 11 defended passes, and 6 interceptions – the third highest in the NFL at the time of his injury.

Oruwariye’s journey took a new twist on March 23, 2023, when he signed a $1.2 million contract with the New York Giants. The association was short-lived; he was released on August 29 that same year, and placed in the practice squad. However, his services were sought by the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing him to their practice squad on October 16, 2023. Starting 2024, Oruwariye was within a reserve/future contract until his release on August 27, 2024. With continuous turns, Oruwariye finally found a place in the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on August 29, 2024, where he showcases his exceptional skill today.