Owen Pappoe Bio
Owen Pappoe is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 29, 2000, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Pappoe has risen from a five-star high school recruit to a starting linebacker at the professional level. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers before being selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling instincts, Pappoe represents a new generation of young defensive talent in the league.
Early Life and Background
Owen Pappoe was born on September 29, 2000, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and grew up in the surrounding metro Atlanta area. He is of Liberian descent, a heritage that has shaped his family background and personal identity. Pappoe attended Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, where he quickly developed into one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country.
During his time at Grayson, Pappoe starred as a linebacker and earned widespread recognition for his physical play and football IQ. As a senior, he recorded 121 tackles, showcasing his ability to pursue plays across the field. His high school performance earned him an invitation to the 2019 Under Armour All-America Game, where he competed against many of the nation’s top recruits and further cemented his reputation as an elite prospect.
Path to American Football
Owen Pappoe’s path to professional football began with one of the most decorated recruitments in his high school class. Rated as a five-star recruit, he drew attention from top college programs across the country. Ultimately, Pappoe committed to Auburn University to play college football, choosing the Tigers over several other major suitors.
His decision to enroll at Auburn in 2019 set the stage for an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Pappoe’s combination of size, speed, and tackling ability translated well to the Southeastern Conference, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. His early exposure to high-level competition during the Under Armour All-America Game also helped prepare him for the demands of major college football.
Owen Pappoe Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Owen Pappoe entered his true freshman season at Auburn in 2019 as a starter, an unusual achievement that reflected his advanced physical and mental preparation. He started all 13 games during his first year, recording 49 tackles and two sacks while adjusting to the speed of the college game. His poise and productivity as a freshman signaled his long-term potential as a defensive leader.
Pappoe returned to Auburn as a starter in his sophomore year in 2020 and elevated his production, recording 93 tackles and 4 sacks across the season. His development into one of the SEC’s most reliable linebackers was clear. Due to injuries, Pappoe appeared in only five games for Auburn in 2021, a setback that limited his on-field exposure but did not diminish his standing as a professional prospect heading into the 2023 NFL draft.
Auburn Breakthrough (2019–2020)
During his freshman and sophomore campaigns at Auburn, Pappoe established himself as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ defense. His 49 tackles and two sacks as a starter in 2019 demonstrated that he could perform at a high level from day one. By his sophomore year, his tackle total nearly doubled to 93, paired with four sacks, showing growth as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher.
Owen Pappoe Career Highlights
Throughout his time at Grayson High School and Auburn, Owen Pappoe compiled a résumé marked by production, leadership, and recognition as one of the top defensive players in his class. From 121 tackles as a senior in high school to nearly 150 tackles across his first two college seasons, Pappoe consistently delivered impactful defensive performances. His selection in the 2023 NFL draft represented the culmination of years of sustained excellence on the field.
Collegiate Highlights
As an Auburn Tiger, Owen Pappoe played in 18 games during his first two seasons, amassing 142 tackles and six sacks combined. His true freshman season included 13 starts and 49 tackles, while his sophomore campaign produced 93 tackles and four sacks. These totals underscored his ability to be a every-down linebacker in one of college football’s most physical conferences.
Other Recognitions
Beyond his on-field production, Owen Pappoe earned selection to the 2019 Under Armour All-America Game, an honor reserved for the nation’s elite high school seniors. His five-star recruit ranking placed him among the top defensive prospects in his class nationwide.
Owen Pappoe Family
Family Background and Lineage
Owen Pappoe is of Liberian descent, a heritage tied to his family roots and upbringing in the Lawrenceville, Georgia, area. His family background provided a strong foundation that supported his development as an athlete from a young age. While specific details about his parents are not publicly confirmed, his cultural heritage remains a meaningful part of his personal identity.
Personal Life
Owen Pappoe was born and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and continues to build his professional life around his NFL career. As of the most recent available information, he is not publicly known to be married. He maintains a focus on his football career and his role with the Arizona Cardinals organization.
2025 Season Performance
Owen Pappoe continues his professional career with the Arizona Cardinals, the team that selected him in the fifth round, 168th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches and 230 pounds, he has settled into a role within the Cardinals’ linebacker corps. His combination of size, speed, and tackling instincts makes him a valuable contributor on the defensive side of the ball.
As of the latest available NFL career statistics, Pappoe has recorded 66 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 5 pass deflections, reflecting his versatility as a defender. These numbers illustrate his ability to impact games against both the run and the pass. His development trajectory suggests continued growth as he gains more experience in the Cardinals’ defensive scheme.
Looking ahead within the 2025 season, Pappoe is positioned to expand his role and build on the foundation established during his first two NFL seasons. With his proven college production and increasing professional experience, he remains a linebacker to watch within the Arizona Cardinals organization. His ongoing development will be a key storyline for the team’s defensive outlook.