Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo Bio
Chigoziem Charlton “Chig” Okonkwo is an American professional football tight end and fullback for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. Okonkwo grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he showed early promise in athletics and transitioned into a successful college player before making his NFL debut in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo was born on September 8, 1999, in Powder Springs, Georgia. He attended Hillgrove High School, where he began to establish himself as a talented athlete. Okonkwo was born to a Nigerian family and demonstrated his skills on the football field during his junior year, catching 48 passes for 907 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition, and he was rated as a three-star recruit. He ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Maryland, turning down offers from other schools such as Georgia Tech and Wisconsin.
Path to American Football
At the University of Maryland, Okonkwo had a promising start to his college career. During his freshman season, he caught six passes for 69 yards and scored a touchdown, along with rushing for 72 yards on three attempts. His sophomore year saw him increase his production with 19 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns. However, Okonkwo faced a setback in 2020 when he developed myocarditis, which caused him to miss the entire season. He returned strong in his senior year, catching 52 passes for 447 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his resilience and talent.
Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo Career
Early Career (2022)
Chigoziem Okonkwo was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the 143rd overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants. In Week 4, Okonkwo scored his first NFL touchdown on an eight-yard reception from quarterback Ryan Tannehill during a game against the Indianapolis Colts. As a rookie, he played in all 17 games and started eight, finishing the season with 32 receptions for 450 receiving yards, three rushing attempts for two yards, and three receiving touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2023)
In the 2023 season, Okonkwo continued to build on his success, appearing in all 17 games and making 11 starts. He recorded 54 receptions for 528 receiving yards, along with two rushing attempts for six yards and one receiving touchdown. His contributions were vital to the Titans’ offense, and he established himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his early career, Chigoziem Okonkwo has made significant strides, including being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022. His ability to adapt and perform at a high level has marked him as a player to watch in the NFL.
Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo Award Nominations
Chigoziem Okonkwo has received recognition for his performance, notably being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022, highlighting his impact as a newcomer in the league.
Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo Awards Won
Okonkwo’s notable achievement includes being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022, which acknowledges his outstanding performance during his rookie season.
Chigoziem Charlton Okonkwo Family
Information regarding Chigoziem Okonkwo’s family is not publicly available. His upbringing in a Nigerian family in Georgia has been noted, but specific details about his parents or siblings have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Chigoziem Okonkwo is known to be an active player of Old School RuneScape. In January 2025, he publicly revealed his account and username shortly after maxing out all of his skills in the game. This interest showcases a different side of his personality beyond the football field.
