Chidobe Awuzie Bio
Chidobe Chilorio Richard Awuzie is an American professional football cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Awuzie has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, showcasing his skills as a reliable cornerback throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Chidobe Awuzie was born on May 24, 1995, in San Jose, California, to Nigerian immigrant parents. He attended Oak Grove High School in San Jose, where he played both cornerback and wide receiver. Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ESPN.com, Awuzie excelled in high school football, earning All-League honors. He committed to play college football for the University of Colorado Boulder, choosing it over offers from other Power 5 schools, including Utah and Washington State.
Path to American Football
Awuzie’s college career at the University of Colorado Boulder began with immediate playing time, where he appeared in 12 games as a freshman, recording 59 tackles and showcasing his potential. He continued to improve in his sophomore and junior years, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2015 and 2016. His performance at Colorado set the stage for his entry into the NFL, where he was projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Chidobe Awuzie Career
Early Career (2017-2020)
Chidobe Awuzie was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, being the 60th overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth $4.28 million, which included a signing bonus of $1.25 million. Awuzie made his professional debut in the Cowboys’ season opener against the New York Giants, recording four combined tackles. He finished his rookie season with 25 combined tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble in ten games.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
After four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Awuzie signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 19, 2021. He quickly established himself as a starting cornerback, contributing to the team’s defensive success. In Super Bowl LVI, he recorded his first career playoff interception. However, his season was cut short in 2022 due to a torn ACL. He returned to the field in 2023, continuing to demonstrate his skills as a cornerback.
Notable Works and Milestones
Awuzie’s signature achievements include being a two-time Second-team All-Pac-12 player and recording significant statistics throughout his career, including 415 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 67 pass deflections as of Week 8 of the 2025 season.
Chidobe Awuzie Award Nominations
Chidobe Awuzie has received recognition for his performances, notably being named to the Second-team All-Pac-12 in both 2015 and 2016 during his college career.
Chidobe Awuzie Awards Won
Throughout his career, Chidobe Awuzie has achieved notable milestones, including his selection to the Second-team All-Pac-12, which highlights his skills and contributions on the field.
Chidobe Awuzie Family
Information about Chidobe Awuzie’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Chidobe Awuzie is a Christian and has expressed that his faith is central to his life. He is also an avid chess player, having won Chess.com’s BlitzChamps tournament in July 2022. Awuzie enjoys comparing his chess strategies to his football tactics, indicating a thoughtful approach to both games.
