Adetokunbo Ogundeji Bio
Adetokunbo Ademola Ogundeji (born October 9, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Ogundeji has showcased his skills as a reliable linebacker in the NFL and is presently a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Adetokunbo Ogundeji grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He did not play football until his freshman year at Walled Lake Central High School. Initially, he committed to play at Western Michigan, but after a standout junior season where he recorded 68 tackles, nine sacks, 17 pass breakups, and four fumble recoveries, he de-committed and signed to play at Notre Dame. His senior season was cut short due to a knee injury, but he had already made a significant impact on his high school team.
Path to American Football
Ogundeji played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2016 to 2020. During his freshman season, he was on the scout team and did not appear in any games. As a sophomore, he played sparingly but began to receive significant playing time as a junior in 2018. He finished that season with 25 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In his senior year, he had 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, playing in all 13 games for the Fighting Irish. Notably, he returned a fumble for a touchdown against Virginia on September 28, 2019. Ogundeji opted to return for a fifth season in 2020, where he recorded seven sacks.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Adetokunbo Ogundeji was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round with the 182nd overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Atlanta on June 15, 2021. During the 2021 season, Ogundeji appeared in 16 games, making 11 starts. He continued to establish himself as a key player, starting all 16 games during the 2022 season. However, on August 15, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve and was later released by the Falcons on May 16, 2024.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On August 29, 2024, Ogundeji was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. He made his way to the active roster on October 12, 2024, showcasing his resilience and determination to contribute to his new team. Although he faced challenges, including being released on December 17, 2024, Ogundeji’s journey reflects his commitment to the sport and his potential for future success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adetokunbo Ogundeji’s signature work includes his performance during his college career at Notre Dame, where he became a standout linebacker. His transition to the NFL has been marked by significant achievements, including being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and later signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Adetokunbo Ogundeji has not received any notable award nominations as of yet.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji Awards Won
Adetokunbo Ogundeji has not won any major awards during his professional football career thus far.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji Family
Information regarding Adetokunbo Ogundeji’s family is limited. He is of Nigerian descent through his father, which adds to his rich cultural background.
Personal Life
Details about Adetokunbo Ogundeji’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. His focus remains on his professional football career and contributions to his teams.