Ikem Ekwonu

Ikem Ekwonu's Biography

Ikemefuna Patrick “Ickey” Ekwonu is a symbol of athleticism, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Born on October 31, 2000, the American professional athlete has made waves in the National Football League (NFL) as an offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers. Of Nigerian descent, his roots can be traced back to the country rich in cultural heritage and a strong influence of sportsfolk.

Ekwonu hails from Matthews, North Carolina, where he nurtured his love for football. He spent his formative years at Providence Day School, inculcating values of grit, tenacity, and the importance of hard work. Showcasing immense potential in his early years, Ekwonu was courted by numerous Power 5 colleges, all dangling attractive scholarships and programs to secure his talent. Eventually, he committed himself to North Carolina State, beginning his college football stint full of promise and aplomb.

As a freshman, Ekwonu displayed a level of play far beyond his years. He started the final seven games of his debut season as a left tackle and led the team with a remarkable 37 pancake blocks. His phenomenal performance earned him the honor of being named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team.

His sophomore season only solidified his reputation as an indispensable asset to the Wolfpack. Ekwonu began as the team’s starting left guard before eventually transitioning back to his preferred position of left tackle. His resilience and dexterity were apparent as he again led the Wolfpack with a stunning 50 pancake blocks and 22 knockdowns. Such was his prowess that he was named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at both guard and tackle, garnering recognition from the Associated Press.

Before he embarked on the 2021 season, Ekwonu was already hailed as a preseason All-ACC star and even received All-American honors by Pro Football Focus and Sporting News. The predictions weren’t mistaken; Ekwonu rose above the competition, securing the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best blocker in the ACC. He also joined the ranks of the unanimous All-American selections, further cementing his place in college football history.

Ekwonu’s prowess on the field prompted him to forgo his remaining college eligibility to enter the 2022 NFL draft. The Carolina Panthers seized the opportunity to snag a rising star, selecting Ekwonu in the first round with the sixth overall pick during the draft. On May 11, 2022, Ekwonu made it official, signing a four-year deal worth $27.6 million, graced with a substantial signing bonus of $17.2 million, and the option to extend for a fifth year. Since then, Ekwonu has continued his streak of excellence, playing and starting in all 17 games of both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Ekwonu belongs to a family of athletes. His father, a former professional basketball player from Nigeria, ingrained the appreciation for sports in the family. His twin brother, Osita, continues the athletic lineage as a linebacker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A versatile man, Ekwonu also holds a major in business administration from NC State.

Lastly but by no means least, the nickname ‘Ickey’, was a gift from an early coach who noticed his striking resemblance to celebrated running back, Ickey Woods. The moniker stuck and Ekwonu has proudly claimed it as he made his way through the ranks of college football, ultimately gracing the global arena of the NFL. An exceptional athlete, Ikemefuna “Ickey” Ekwonu has proven that he is indeed a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.