David Ojabo Bio
David Ojabo is a Nigerian-Scottish professional American football linebacker currently listed on the active roster of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 17, 2000, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he moved to Aberdeen, Scotland, in 2007 and later relocated to Blairstown, New Jersey, at the age of 17. Ojabo attended Blair Academy and played college football at the University of Michigan, where he earned All-American honors before being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
David Ojabo was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 2000. In 2007, when he was seven years old, he moved with his family to Aberdeen, Scotland, where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years. The transatlantic move shaped his dual cultural identity, as he grew up speaking English and embracing both Nigerian and Scottish influences while attending school in the United Kingdom.
At the age of 17, Ojabo moved to Blairstown, New Jersey, in the United States and enrolled at Blair Academy, a private boarding school known for its competitive athletics. He initially played basketball at Blair Academy before switching to American football, a transition that introduced him to the sport that would eventually define his career. The switch was encouraged by the school’s coaching staff, who recognized his athletic frame and quick-twitch abilities on the defensive side of the ball.
Path to American Football
Ojabo’s decision to commit to the University of Michigan was influenced in part by the climate of Ann Arbor, which reminded him of his years in Scotland and made him feel at home. The Michigan Wolverines program gave him a platform to develop his skills as a pass rusher, and he joined a defense that had a strong reputation for producing NFL-caliber edge players. Coming from a basketball background, his raw athleticism stood out immediately, and the coaching staff worked with him to refine his technique as a linebacker.
He did not play during his first year at Michigan in 2019, using the season to adjust to the pace and physicality of college football. As a sophomore in 2020, he appeared in six games and recorded one tackle, a modest stat line that reflected his continued development. By 2021, he had earned a starting role and became one of the most disruptive edge defenders in the Big Ten Conference.
David Ojabo Career
Early Career (2021 College Season)
Ojabo’s breakthrough came during the 2021 college season, when he stepped into a starting role for the Michigan Wolverines. He earned First-team All-Big Ten honors and was recognized as a Second-team All-American, awards that reflected his rapid emergence as one of the top pass rushers in college football. His combination of size, speed, and length made him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive tackles.
On January 4, 2022, Ojabo announced that he would forgo his senior year and enter the 2022 NFL Draft. The decision was based on his strong 2021 production and the projections that he would be selected in the early rounds. His pre-draft preparation, however, was interrupted by a significant injury during Michigan’s Pro Day.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2022–2025)
Ojabo was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round, 45th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Shortly before the draft, he had suffered a torn Achilles during a drill at his Michigan Pro Day, an injury that significantly affected his rookie season. On August 31, 2022, he was placed on injured reserve as he continued to recover, and he was activated on November 1, 2022, later in the year.
He recorded his first career sack in Week 18 of the 2022 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, a milestone that marked his arrival as a pass-rushing threat at the professional level. On September 30, 2023, Ojabo was again placed on injured reserve, limiting his availability during that campaign. Through his tenure with the Ravens, he appeared in games and contributed 32 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, according to his career NFL statistics as of 2025.
Miami Dolphins Era (2026–Present)
On March 16, 2026, Ojabo signed with the Miami Dolphins, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He joined a Dolphins defense looking to add depth and pass-rushing talent to its linebacker rotation. The move represented a fresh opportunity for Ojabo to expand his role after navigating injuries during his early NFL seasons.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ojabo is listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 252 pounds, giving him the frame of a prototypical NFL edge rusher. His basketball background contributes to his explosive first step and his ability to bend around offensive tackles. Coaches have praised his length, motor, and capacity to develop into a three-down linebacker as he gains experience in the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ojabo’s most memorable early moment came in Week 18 of the 2022 season, when he recorded his first NFL sack against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also recognized as a Second-team All-American and a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021, honors that placed him among the top defensive players in college football that year.
David Ojabo Career Wins
David Ojabo’s career is still in its early stages, and his statistical production has been measured more in individual contributions such as sacks and tackles than in team championship wins. Through his years with the Baltimore Ravens, he accumulated 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, numbers that reflect his pass-rushing potential despite missed time due to injury.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Ojabo earned First-team All-Big Ten and Second-team All-American honors in 2021, awards that recognized his standout performance for the Michigan Wolverines. He did not record any verified major bowl-game or playoff awards based on the available information.
David Ojabo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
David Ojabo was raised in a family that relocated from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to Aberdeen, Scotland, in 2007, when he was seven years old. Public details about his parents and immediate relatives are limited, and he has not shared extensive information about his family background in available sources.
Personal Life
Ojabo holds dual Nigerian and Scottish heritage, having been born in Nigeria and raised in Scotland before moving to the United States as a teenager. He attended Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, and later the University of Michigan, where he played college football. Public information about his marital status, spouse, or children has not been confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NFL season, David Ojabo continued his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, contributing 32 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles across his appearances, according to his career NFL statistics as of 2025. His role within the Ravens defense provided him with valuable experience as a rotational pass rusher, and his production showed growth compared to his injury-affected rookie and sophomore campaigns.
The 2025 season represented another step in Ojabo’s development, as he worked to stay healthy and earn a more consistent role on defense. While the Ravens’ defense featured established veterans at linebacker, Ojabo’s snaps and statistical output pointed to a player trending upward as he entered the next phase of his career.
Looking ahead, Ojabo’s signing with the Miami Dolphins in March 2026 set the stage for a new opportunity. The Dolphins’ defensive scheme is expected to give him a chance to expand his responsibilities, and his combination of size, athleticism, and prior NFL experience positions him to compete for a meaningful role in the team’s linebacker rotation.
