Azeez Ojulari Bio
Azeez O. Ojulari is an American professional football linebacker who most recently played in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 16, 2000, in Austell, Georgia, he rose through the Georgia Bulldogs college program before being selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. Known for his pass-rushing ability off the edge, Ojulari has built a reputation as a productive, if often injury-plagued, edge defender throughout his professional career.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds, Ojulari combines size and athleticism to disrupt opposing backfields. He has spent time with the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles, and signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2026. Across his NFL seasons, he has accumulated 22.0 sacks, 113 total tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections.
Early Life and Background
Azeez O. Ojulari was born on June 16, 2000, in Austell, Georgia, to parents of Nigerian descent. He grew up in a family with strong Nigerian roots, and his cultural heritage has remained an important part of his identity. Ojulari attended Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he quickly developed into one of the top defensive prospects in the state.
As a senior at Marietta, Ojulari posted 118 tackles and 11 sacks before a torn ACL cut his final season short. Despite the injury, his earlier play was strong enough to earn him a selection to the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, one of the most prestigious high school all-star games in the country. He committed to the University of Georgia to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Ojulari’s path to professional football began on the fields of Marietta High School, where his combination of size, speed, and instincts stood out. His performance as a senior, even while limited by injury, drew national attention and led to invitations to elite showcase events. Choosing Georgia allowed him to remain close to home while joining one of the most respected defensive programs in the Southeastern Conference.
After recovering from the torn ACL, Ojulari joined the Georgia Bulldogs in 2018 and took a redshirt, appearing in just two games during his first year on campus. The following season, as a redshirt freshman, he played in all 14 games, making 13 starts, and recorded 36 tackles with 5.5 sacks. His development positioned him as one of the most promising young edge rushers in the conference heading into his sophomore campaign.
Azeez Ojulari Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Ojulari’s early college career was shaped by steady progression and a return to full health following his high school knee injury. In 2019, he earned a starting role as a redshirt freshman and produced 5.5 sacks while logging significant snaps across 14 games. His impact as a pass rusher helped solidify the Georgia defensive front.
As a sophomore in 2020, Ojulari became a full-time starter and was named second-team All-SEC. He also earned defensive MVP honors at the 2021 Peach Bowl, capping a strong campaign that elevated his draft stock. By the end of his college career, he had established himself as one of the top edge rushers in the 2021 NFL draft class.
New York Giants Era (2021–2024)
The New York Giants selected Ojulari in the second round, 50th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021, and stepped into an immediate role as a rotational pass rusher. His production was immediate: Ojulari finished his rookie season with 8.0 sacks, setting a new Giants franchise record for sacks by a rookie, surpassing the previous mark of 5.5 set by B. J. Hill in 2018.
Injuries, however, became a recurring theme in his tenure with New York. On October 22, 2022, Ojulari was placed on injured reserve, though he was activated on December 3 and finished the year with 5.5 sacks, second on the team behind nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. The 2023 season followed a similar pattern, as he was again placed on injured reserve on October 14 before being reactivated on November 11. After four seasons with the organization, Ojulari departed the Giants and entered free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2025)
On March 19, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Ojulari to a one-year contract worth $4 million. The move gave the Eagles a young edge rusher with proven production, and Ojulari was expected to contribute to Philadelphia’s defensive rotation. His 2025 campaign, however, was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on November 1 due to a hamstring injury.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2026–Present)
On March 11, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons signed Ojulari to a one-year contract valued at $1.4 million. The deal gave him an opportunity to continue his career in a new defensive system while competing for a pass-rushing role. Ojulari, who wears jersey number 51, remains an active member of the Falcons roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ojulari is known primarily as an edge rusher with a quick first step and the ability to bend around offensive tackles. His 6-foot-3 frame and 240-pound build allow him to hold up against the run while his burst and motor make him a threat on passing downs. Throughout his career, he has been most effective as a situational pass rusher who can win one-on-one matchups.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ojulari’s most notable milestone came in his rookie season, when he set the New York Giants’ all-time rookie sack record with 8.0 sacks. He followed that with a 5.5-sack season in 2022, finishing second on the team in sacks behind Dexter Lawrence. He has also earned recognition at the college level, including second-team All-SEC honors in 2020 and defensive MVP of the 2021 Peach Bowl.
Azeez Ojulari Career Wins
While linebackers and edge rushers are not typically measured by traditional win totals, Azeez Ojulari has produced notable statistical achievements across his football career. His most celebrated accomplishment remains the 2021 Giants rookie sack record, a mark that underscored his immediate impact at the professional level.
NFL Highlights
Across his NFL career, Ojulari has accumulated 22.0 sacks, including his record-setting 8.0 as a rookie and 5.5 the following year. He has added 113 total tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections. His production has been consistent when healthy, even as injuries have limited his availability in multiple seasons.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Ojulari earned second-team All-SEC recognition in 2020 and was named defensive MVP of the 2021 Peach Bowl during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs. He was also selected to the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season at Marietta High School.
Azeez Ojulari Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ojulari was raised in a household shaped by Nigerian heritage. His maternal grandfather was the late Yoruban artist and musician Twins Seven Seven, a celebrated figure in Nigerian culture. This artistic family background gave Ojulari a strong connection to his roots alongside his football pursuits.
Personal Life
Ojulari’s younger brother, BJ Ojulari, followed in his footsteps by playing college football at LSU. BJ Ojulari was later drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 NFL draft, making the Ojularis one of the notable football families in the modern NFL. The brothers share Nigerian heritage and a passion for the game.
2025 Season Performance
Azeez Ojulari joined the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2025 on a one-year contract, joining a defensive front aiming to maintain its status among the league’s best. He was expected to provide a boost as a situational pass rusher opposite the team’s other edge defenders. The Eagles viewed him as a cost-effective signing with significant upside given his rookie-year production.
Ojulari’s 2025 season was interrupted by a hamstring injury that led to a placement on injured reserve on November 1. The injury limited his statistical output for the year and prevented him from building momentum during the second half of the season. As a result, his time in Philadelphia was brief, leading to his next opportunity in free agency.
