Emmanuel Ogbah

Emmanuel Ogbah's Biography

Born on November 6, 1993, in Lagos, Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogbah’s life would take a dramatic turn when he moved to Houston, Texas at the tender age of nine. The transition presented Ogbah an opportunity to embrace American football which would later catapult him into the professional ranks of the National Football League (NFL). He already has an impressive career playing as a linebacker for the esteemed Miami Dolphins.

Ogbah’s journey started at George Bush High School located in Fort Bend County, Texas. His robust build and relentless power on the football field quickly caught the attention of recruiters from Oklahoma State University, who offered him a scholarship. He seized the opportunity, propelled by the significant influence and recommendations of Russell Okung, an established football player who attended the same high school and played college football at Oklahoma State.

Joining as a fresh recruit in 2012, Ogbah was redshirted, a strategy used as an extension of an athlete’s eligibility. However, the eager young footballer swiftly ascended the collegiate ranks. Notably, in 2013 he played all 13 games, amassing 20 tackles and four sacks that season. His stellar performance in 2014 was recognized with the Big-12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year award. He demonstrated an outstanding play by recording 49 tackles and 11 sacks.

Following his impressive college football career, Ogbah was drafted into the NFL by the Cleveland Browns in 2016. The Browns, taken aback by his prowess on the football field, signed him to a four-year contract worth $6.6 million including a signing bonus of $3 million. As testament to Ogbah’s established skill, he was listed as a starter for the team’s season opener. He ended his rookie season with a team sixth-best of 53 tackles and a team-topping 5.5 sacks.

In 2017, Ogbah retained his starter position until a foot injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He was sadly placed on injured reserve on November 21, 2017, following his fractured foot diagnosis. Despite such debilitating health setbacks, Ogbah’s career progressed in 2019 when he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for safety Eric Murray.

His time at the Chiefs was marked with significant moments like in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens when he sacked their celebrated quarterback, Lamar Jackson 1.5 times. However, his time at the Chiefs was cut short after a torn pectoral injury led to his premature exit from the season.

Despite the injury, Ogbah continued to prove himself indispensable leading his team to secure the Super Bowl LIV win against the San Francisco 49ers without his presence. His contribution didn’t go unnoticed, and in March 2020, he signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.

At the Dolphins, Ogbah staged a remarkable comeback. He made significant contributions in games against the 49ers, recording a strip sack on C.J. Beathard that helped secure a vital 43-17 win. A pivotal moment came in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Ogbah helped secure a 34-31 win. The Dolphins acknowledged his contribution, signing him to a four-year, $65 million contract extension in 2022.

However, tragedy struck in the same year. A severe tricep injury ended Ogbah’s season, requiring surgery for a successful recovery. Despite the injury, the Dolphins displayed unflinching faith in his abilities. Following his recuperation, he was re-signed in July 2023 following a brief release, marking a new chapter in his ever-evolving career. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogbah, a true embodiment of resilience and grit, persists as a valuable asset in the high-intensity world of the NFL, continually pushing the envelope with his outstanding ability on the football field.