Chigozie Anusiem Bio
Chigozie Anusiem is an American professional football cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 5, 2000, in La Habra, California, he played college football for the California Golden Bears and the Colorado State Rams before entering the professional ranks. He signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since spent time with multiple organizations while continuing to develop at the cornerback position. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 200 pounds, Anusiem brings a compact, athletic frame to the defensive backfield.
Early Life and Background
Chigozie Anusiem was born on November 5, 2000, in La Habra, California. He was the fourth of five children and the son of immigrants from Nigeria, giving him a strong cultural foundation that shaped his early years. He grew up in California and started playing football at age six, quickly developing a love for the sport that would define his future.
He attended Sonora High School in La Habra, where he participated in football and track and field. With the football team, he won three varsity letters and was a two-way player at defensive back and wide receiver. As a sophomore, he moved from safety to cornerback and earned a starting role, showcasing his versatility and football instincts.
During his senior season, he helped Sonora reach the state playoffs, posting 30 receptions for 605 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense, while also recording 35 tackles and four interceptions on defense. A three-star recruit, he was named second-team All-League as a junior, drawing the attention of college programs across the country. He ultimately committed to play college football for the California Golden Bears.
Path to American Football
Anusiem’s progression from high school standout to professional cornerback began with his commitment to the University of California. As a freshman in 2018, he redshirted, appearing in two games while posting no statistics, which allowed him to adjust to the college game physically and mentally. The following year, he appeared in 12 games, one as a starter, and tallied 15 tackles and five passes defended, signaling his growing comfort at the cornerback position.
His path took him through the Pac-12 and eventually the Mountain West Conference, with stops at two programs that helped shape his professional readiness. After completing his tenure at California, he transferred to Colorado State, where his production increased and his draft profile improved. Each step along the way added experience and visibility, eventually leading to an invitation to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl and an opportunity to compete for an NFL roster spot.
Chigozie Anusiem Career
College Career (2018–2023)
Anusiem’s college career spanned six seasons across two programs, beginning at California from 2018 through 2021. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, he played in four games, two as a starter, making 12 tackles. He played in seven games in 2021, missing five games, and made 13 tackles before entering the NCAA transfer portal in November. He concluded his tenure with the Golden Bears having made 40 tackles and six pass breakups in 25 games played, six of which he started.
After receiving his degree, Anusiem initially transferred to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to continue his career. However, following the resignation of Todd Graham four days after his commitment, he opted to re-enter the transfer portal and ultimately transferred to the Colorado State Rams. In his first season there in 2022, he posted 36 tackles and nine pass breakups, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference recognition. As a senior in 2023, he totaled 57 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, three passes defended and an interception, while being named honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference for the second time. He was invited to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl at the conclusion of his collegiate career.
Washington Commanders (2024)
Anusiem signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2024, beginning his professional journey. He was waived on August 27, 2024, then re-signed to the practice squad the following day, keeping him within the organization as he continued to refine his game. His time in Washington offered an introduction to NFL-level preparation and competition.
Cleveland Browns (2024–2025)
Anusiem was signed off the Commanders’ practice squad to the active roster of the Cleveland Browns on November 13, 2024, earning his first promotion to a 53-man roster. His stay in Cleveland provided valuable regular-season experience within a new defensive system. On August 24, 2025, Anusiem was waived by the Browns, opening the door for his next professional opportunity.
Arizona Cardinals (2025)
On August 28, 2025, Anusiem signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, continuing his pursuit of a stable NFL role. His time with the Cardinals allowed him to remain active in the league and prepare for further opportunities. The practice squad stint kept him ready for a potential call-up.
Las Vegas Raiders (2025–Present)
On December 9, 2025, Anusiem was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders off of the Cardinals’ practice squad, joining the active roster of his current team. Wearing number 29, he is listed as an active cornerback within the Raiders organization. The move marked another step in his professional journey and provided a fresh platform to compete for defensive snaps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Anusiem’s strengths as a cornerback include his two-way playing background from high school, which gave him experience on both sides of the ball. His transition from safety to cornerback at Sonora High School highlighted his adaptability and coverage instincts. At Colorado State, his pass-breakup totals and All-Conference recognition underscored his ability to play the ball in the air and contribute against the run.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Anusiem’s early professional career was signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, a meaningful achievement for any college player. His invitation to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl further validated his development at Colorado State. Joining the Las Vegas Raiders active roster in December 2025 represented another key milestone in his ongoing NFL story.
Chigozie Anusiem Career Statistics
As of the 2025 season, Chigozie Anusiem’s verified NFL regular-season totals include 1 tackle, reflecting his developmental role across multiple practice squad stints and limited active-roster appearances. His career statistics are still in their early stages, with the Las Vegas Raiders providing his current opportunity to expand his production.
Chigozie Anusiem Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chigozie Anusiem is the son of Nigerian immigrants and grew up as the fourth of five children in La Habra, California. His family background provided a strong cultural foundation that supported his early introduction to football at age six. These roots have remained a consistent part of his personal story as he has progressed through the sport.
Personal Life
Public details about Chigozie Anusiem’s personal life are limited beyond his upbringing in La Habra, California, and his Nigerian heritage. He has focused much of his energy on his football career, moving between several NFL organizations since 2024. Further verified personal details are not currently available in public records.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Chigozie Anusiem, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns on August 24, 2025, before joining the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on August 28, 2025. He remained with the Cardinals until being signed by the Las Vegas Raiders off their practice squad on December 9, 2025. The season has tested his resilience as he has navigated multiple practice squad moves while staying prepared for active-roster opportunities.
His move to the Raiders offers a fresh setting to compete for defensive snaps and continue building his professional resume. With his listed height of 6 feet 1 inch and weight of 200 pounds, he fits the physical profile of a modern NFL cornerback. The latter portion of the 2025 season provides a chance to demonstrate his coverage and tackling skills within the Raiders’ defensive scheme.
Looking ahead, Anusiem’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 and beyond will depend on earning a more permanent role on an active roster. His All-Conference recognition at Colorado State and his East–West Shrine Bowl invitation suggest he has the tools to compete at the professional level. Continued development and consistency in practice could help him secure a longer-term opportunity in the NFL.