David Olajiga Bio
David Olajiga, born on 3 November 1997, is an English professional American football defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 3 in and listed at 315 lb, he plays on the defensive line and wears jersey number 65. He attended The John Fisher School in London before moving to the United States for college football at Butler Community College in Kansas and the University of Central Missouri.
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Olajiga built his early professional résumé through the International Player Pathway program, spending time with the Los Angeles Rams, the New England Patriots, and ultimately the Baltimore Ravens. His path from London to the NFL reflects determination, adaptability, and steady development at every level of the sport.
Early Life and Background
David Olajiga was born in London, England, and raised in the United Kingdom. He attended The John Fisher School, where he developed an early interest in American football despite the sport’s limited footprint in England. His family background and upbringing in London shaped a strong work ethic that later fueled his move across the Atlantic to pursue competitive football in the United States.
While still in England, Olajiga took the unusual step of committing to American football at the college level, a path that requires relocation and adjustment to a new sporting culture. His decision to leave London for the U.S. college system marked the first major turning point in his athletic career, setting the stage for his development at two American programs.
Path to American Football
Olajiga was recruited to Butler Community College in Kansas, where he appeared in one game for the Butler Grizzlies as a tight end before transferring. The limited playing time at Butler did not derail his trajectory; instead, it provided a foothold in the American college system and allowed him to find a more suitable program for his size and skill set.
He transferred to the University of Central Missouri, where he played for the Central Missouri Mules from 2021 to 2023. During his final season with the Mules, Olajiga posted 41 total tackles and 4 sacks, numbers that demonstrated his growth into a legitimate defensive line prospect. His production at the NCAA Division II level helped position him for professional opportunities in both the NFL and the Canadian Football League.
David Olajiga Career
Early Career (2024)
David Olajiga entered the professional ranks in 2024, going undrafted in the NFL draft. He was, however, selected in the second round, tenth overall, in the 2024 CFL Global Draft by the Edmonton Elks, giving him an early professional foothold in North American football.
On 28 August 2024, Olajiga was signed to the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. He occupied the 17th seat on the practice squad as a member of the International Player Pathway program. After the season, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on 20 January, only to be waived by the team on 7 May.
New England Patriots (2025)
On 20 July 2025, Olajiga signed with the New England Patriots as part of the International Pathway Program, marking his next stop in the NFL. The move represented another opportunity to develop within a structured organization while continuing to adapt to the speed and physicality of the professional game.
He was waived on 26 August as part of final roster cuts, then joined the Patriots’ practice squad the following day. Olajiga remained on the practice squad until 16 October, when he was released, freeing him to pursue another opportunity elsewhere in the league.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025–Present)
On 21 October 2025, Olajiga signed with the Baltimore Ravens as part of the International Pathway Program, joining one of the AFC’s most consistent contenders. The signing gave him a fresh start and a chance to compete within a defensive system known for developing trench players.
Olajiga signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens on 5 January 2026, locking in his place on the roster heading into the next league year. He is currently listed as an active defensive end on the Baltimore depth chart.
Notable Events and Milestones
A signature milestone in Olajiga’s career came with his 2024 CFL Global Draft selection by the Edmonton Elks, making him one of the few British-born players drafted in a major North American football league that year. His progression from a tight-end recruit at Butler to a defensive end on an NFL active roster is itself a notable achievement within the International Player Pathway pipeline.
David Olajiga Career Wins
David Olajiga is in the early stages of his professional career, and verified win totals at the NFL level are not yet established in the available record. His most celebrated individual production came at the University of Central Missouri, where he recorded 4 sacks and 41 total tackles in his final collegiate season. As his NFL tenure continues, additional statistical milestones are expected to accumulate.
Other Wins & Performances
Olajiga’s standout collegiate performance came during his final season with the Central Missouri Mules, when he posted 41 total tackles and 4 sacks, a stat line that helped him earn professional attention. While no further competitive win totals are documented, his selection in the 2024 CFL Global Draft by the Edmonton Elks stands as a notable professional recognition.
David Olajiga Family
Personal Life
David Olajiga was born and raised in London, England, and maintains his English nationality. Limited verified information is publicly available about his immediate family members, parents, or marital status, and those details are not included here. He is recognized as one of the growing number of British-born athletes working through the International Player Pathway to reach the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
David Olajiga’s 2025 season was defined by movement rather than settled production, as he transitioned through three NFL organizations. He opened the year as a New England Patriot, signing in July through the International Pathway Program, before being waived in late August and re-joining the Patriots’ practice squad the following day. His release from the practice squad in mid-October opened the door to a fresh opportunity.
On 21 October 2025, Olajiga signed with the Baltimore Ravens through the International Pathway Program, quickly integrating into a defensive line room known for its depth and physicality. The signing represented a stabilizing moment in a turbulent season, and his subsequent reserve/future contract in January 2026 underlined the organization’s long-term interest in his development.
Looking ahead, Olajiga’s outlook centers on carving out a defined role on Baltimore’s defensive line and translating his college production into NFL-level contributions. With a contract in place and a full off-season to prepare, he is positioned to compete for an expanded role within the Ravens’ defensive rotation.