Nigerian American football player (born 1997)
American football player
Chukwuma Okorafor (born August 8, 1997) is a Nigerian professional American football offensive tackle who is a free agent. He played college football at Western Michigan .[1]
Early years
Okorafor was born in Nigeria, and lived in South Africa and Botswana before his family emigrated to the United States in 2010.[2] [3] Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan and started at both offensive and defensive line . He was named a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and was considered the 11th best football recruit in Michigan as a senior. Chukwuma received offers from numerous programs, some of which included Arkansas , Florida , Iowa , Nebraska , North Carolina State , Ohio State , and Oklahoma , but chose to play at Western Michigan due to its close proximity to home and the school's promise to start him as a true freshman .[4]
College career
Okorafor played college football for Western Michigan from 2014 to 2017.[5] Mid-American Conference first-team.[6] [7] Football Writers Association of America First Team All-American.[8] 2018 Reese's Senior Bowl and was a part of the North team that lost 45–16 to the South team.[9]
Professional career
Okorafor attended private workouts and visits with the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles .[10] offensive tackle in the draft by Sports Illustrated Scouts Inc. [11] [12]
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Okorafor in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft .[15] [16] [17] signing bonus of $812,364.[18]
On November 25, 2018, against the Denver Broncos , Okorafor made his first NFL start at right tackle due to injuries to Marcus Gilbert and Matt Feiler .[19] [20] 2018 NFL season , he also made two starts as a tight end , being used by the Steelers as an extra tackle.[21] [22]
On November 10, 2019, against the Los Angeles Rams , Okorafor made his first start of the 2019 NFL season due to an injury to Ramon Foster .[23]
On March 14, 2022, Okorafor signed a three-year, $29.25 million contract extension with the Steelers.[24]
On February 12, 2024, the Steelers released Okorafor.[25]
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