Josiah Ezirim Bio
Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim (born May 21, 2001) is an American professional football offensive tackle. He played college football for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. He currently plays for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL).
Early Life and Background
Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim was born on May 21, 2001, in Hilliard, Ohio, and grew up as the oldest of four children. His father was a Nigerian immigrant who played soccer for the Ohio State Buckeyes before going on to play professionally, giving the family a strong athletic background. Ezirim began playing flag football at age five and also competed in soccer and basketball throughout his childhood.
He attended Hilliard Davidson High School, where he won two varsity letters as a defensive lineman. In 2017, he totaled 39 tackles and three sacks at defensive end, and in 2018 he recorded 67 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble at nose tackle while earning all-conference honors. He also lettered for the track and field team, competing in shot put, discus, sprinting, and relays.
Path to American Football
A three-star recruit, Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim committed to Eastern Kentucky despite holding offers from larger programs, including the Cincinnati Bearcats. He reportedly wanted to avoid playing offensive line at a higher level and chose the Colonels to develop on defense. He enrolled in 2019 and briefly joined the school’s indoor track team.
Ezirim appeared in 10 games as a true freshman in 2019, recording three tackles, and played in six games with nine tackles in 2020. Early in his college career, coaches told him that a move to the offensive line might create better opportunities. After tallying just 12 tackles and no starts in his first two seasons on defense, he accepted the switch and began developing at tackle.
Josiah Ezirim Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
During his first three seasons at Eastern Kentucky, Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim worked primarily on the defensive line. He served in a reserve role in 2020 and 2021, appearing in five games as a backup offensive lineman in his first year after switching sides of the ball. These developmental years allowed him to learn the physical and technical demands of trench play before becoming a full-time starter.
Eastern Kentucky Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Ezirim broke through as a top player at right tackle in 2022, appearing in all 12 games and earning fourth-team All-ASUN recognition. His steady pass protection and run blocking helped anchor the Colonels’ offensive front and established him as a reliable starter.
In his senior season of 2023, he started 11 games and was named first-team All-United Athletic Conference (UAC). He was also selected as a third-team FCS All-American by the Associated Press. Following the season, he was invited to both the East–West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, validating his growth as a professional prospect.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–2025)
Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim was selected in the seventh round, 239th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and quickly re-signed to the team’s practice squad. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints, but was waived again on August 25, 2025.
Dallas Renegades Era (2026–Present)
On January 13, 2026, Ezirim was selected by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft. He joined the roster as an offensive tackle wearing number 74. The move to the UFL gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a starting role at the professional level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although best known for his work on the offensive line, Ezirim’s early training on defense shaped his aggressive, physical style of play. His track and field background in shot put and discus contributed to the upper-body strength and balance required at tackle. He developed into a dependable pass protector and run blocker during his final college seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of his career include third-team FCS All-American honors in 2023, first-team All-UAC selection that same year, and his invitation to the East–West Shrine Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. Being drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints marked the defining moment of his professional journey.
Josiah Ezirim Career Wins
Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim’s career has been defined more by development and accolades than by championship victories. His most notable achievements are tied to his individual recognition at Eastern Kentucky and his selection in the 2024 NFL draft.
Collegiate Highlights
Ezirim earned fourth-team All-ASUN honors in 2022 and was named first-team All-UAC in 2023. He capped his college career with a third-team FCS All-American selection by the Associated Press, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top offensive linemen.
Josiah Ezirim Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim is the oldest of four children and was raised in Hilliard, Ohio. His father, a Nigerian immigrant and former Ohio State Buckeyes soccer player who later turned professional, brought an athletic pedigree to the household. That sporting background influenced Ezirim’s early exposure to flag football, soccer, and basketball.
Personal Life
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and listed at 328 pounds, Ezirim fits the prototypical build of an NFL offensive tackle. Public details about his marital status and personal relationships are not widely documented. He is known to maintain an active presence on social media, including his verified Instagram account.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim on a reserve/future contract with the New Orleans Saints, signed in January 2025. He spent the offseason working to earn a roster spot in New Orleans, but was waived on August 25, 2025, before the regular season got underway.
Following his release, Ezirim became eligible for spring football opportunities. His selection by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft signaled a new chapter and a chance to compete for meaningful playing time at offensive tackle. The transition to the UFL positioned him to refine his skills in a professional setting.
Looking ahead, Ezirim’s outlook centers on carving out a starting role with the Renegades and showcasing the development that earned him All-American recognition at Eastern Kentucky. His combination of size, strength, and football intelligence gives him a path to long-term professional success.