Odafe Oweh Bio
Odafe Jayson Oweh, born on December 15, 1998, is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). He began his football career at Blair Academy and then played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his speed and agility, Oweh quickly made a name for himself in the league and was recognized as a significant defensive player, achieving honors such as the PFWA All-Rookie Team and First-team All-Big Ten in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Odafe Oweh was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, to a Nigerian-born father and a London-born mother of Nigerian descent. He attended Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he developed his skills in football. During his time at Blair Academy, he became best friends with former teammate David Ojabo and was selected to play in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game. Oweh committed to play college football at Penn State, where he would further hone his skills and prepare for a professional career.
Path to American Football
Oweh began his college football career as a true freshman at Penn State in 2018, where he played in four games and recorded two sacks. As a sophomore in 2019, he played in 13 games, starting one, and made 21 tackles along with five sacks. His performance continued to improve, culminating in a standout 2020 season where he recorded 38 tackles, including seven tackles for loss. This impressive college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Odafe Oweh Career
Early Career (2021)
Odafe Oweh was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (31st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $12.6 million on June 10, 2021. In his second career game, Oweh made a significant impact by forcing a fumble and recovering it, helping the Ravens secure a 36–35 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished his rookie season with 33 total tackles, 5 sacks, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
In his second season, Oweh continued to build on his rookie success. He played 17 games, starting six, and recorded 43 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. His performance solidified his role as a key defensive player for the Ravens. In 2023, Oweh played 13 games and finished fourth on the team with five sacks, along with 23 tackles and two forced fumbles. His consistent performance earned him recognition as a vital part of the Ravens’ defense.
Notable Works and Milestones
Odafe Oweh’s signature work includes his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and his recognition as a First-team All-Big Ten player in 2020. His ability to make impactful plays, such as forced fumbles and sacks, has made him a player to watch in the NFL.
Odafe Oweh Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Odafe Oweh has received notable nominations, including being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021.
Odafe Oweh Awards Won
Odafe Oweh has won several awards during his career, including the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and the First-team All-Big Ten in 2020.
Odafe Oweh Family
Information about Odafe Oweh’s family is limited. However, it is known that he has a younger brother, Otega Oweh, who plays as a guard for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team.
Personal Life
Details about Odafe Oweh’s personal life are not extensively documented. He maintains a low profile outside of his professional career, focusing on his development as an athlete and contributing to his team.
