Odafe Oweh

Odafe Oweh's Biography

Odafe Jayson Oweh, born December 15, 1998, is an American football athlete of Nigerian heritage renowned for his exceptional prowess on the football field. He is a professional football linebacker currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens in the prestigious National Football League (NFL). Born within the diverse cultural landscape of Hackensack, New Jersey, Oweh attended Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he began honing his impressive sporting skills.

His size and natural talent made him a standout even in high school, and he was chosen to play in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game, a high school football all-star game typically held in January. After his stellar performance, he committed to playing college football at Pennsylvania State University, joining the esteemed roster of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

During his freshman year in 2018, Oweh played in four games, landing two sack records. The following year, he played 13 games and impressed the crowds by seizing the opportunity for one start, making 21 tackles and achieving five sacks. By the 2020 season, he was at his peak form, recording 38 tackles, including six tackles resulting in a loss for the opposition.

At the end of his college career, Oweh made his way into professional football, chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round, 31st overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. The selection was possible due to a strategic trade that transferred Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs, clearing the slot for Oweh.

Following his selection, of avoiding confusion related to the pronunciation of his first name, Oweh chose to be identified by his Nigerian first name, Odafe, instead of his hitherto widely-recognized middle name, Jayson. The ravens sealed their commitment to the capable linebacker, signing his four-year rookie contract, worth $12.6 million, on June 10, 2021.

Early in his professional career, in his second game, Oweh forced a fumble and recovered the ball in the fourth quarter against Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the Chiefs. This pivotal play contributed significantly to earn them an impressive 36-35 victory. His outstanding performance, including three tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, alongside a quarterback hit on Patrick Mahomes that led to an interception by his Ravens teammate Tavon Young, earned him the defensive player of the week title.

Despite missing the final two weeks of the season due to an injury, leaving a significant void in the Ravens’ roster, Oweh’s rookie season statistics were extraordinary. With 33 total tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a pass breakup, he proved to be a player of significant consequence. For his promising performance, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

In the fourth week against the Buffalo Bills, this rising linebacker made impactful contributions to the game. He forced a crucial fumble, which was promptly recovered by his teammate Marcus Williams. Despite these strategic gains, the Ravens fell short, losing the game 20-23. Nevertheless, Oweh concluded the season on a high note. Over 17 games and six starts, his accomplishments included 43 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and a recovery.

The subsequent 2023 season saw Oweh securing five sacks, 23 tackles, and two forced fumbles across 13 games and five starts, placing him fourth on the team. His consistent performance and contribution to the team proved to be a great asset, and on April 30, 2024, the Ravens opted to exercise their fifth-year option on Oweh’s contract, reflecting their trust in his skills and their desire to see his future contributions to the team’s successes.