 Onyeka with the Blue Bombers in 2021. | |
| Born: | September 30, 1995 Brampton, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| University | Wilfrid Laurier |
| High school | St. Marguerite d'Youville |
| CFL Draft | 2017 / Round: 4 / Pick: 26 |
| Drafted by | Toronto Argonauts |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2017–2019 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 2020–2021* | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2021 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 2021 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2022* | Edmonton Elks |
| *Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career stats | |
| |
Nakas Onyeka (born September 30, 1995) is a former professional Canadian football linebacker who played for four seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He first played for the Toronto Argonauts for three seasons and was a member of the 105th Grey Cup championship team. He has also been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Edmonton Elks.
Onyeka played U Sports football with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. He was selected as an All-Canadian in his Senior year after leading the Golden Hawks to a Yates Cup. He finished the season with 60 Solo Tackles, 5.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
In his college career he was twice named an OUA All-Star.
Onyeka was invited to Arizona Cardinals mini-camp during the 2017 off-season.
Onyeka was originally drafted 36th overall in the 2017 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts and signed with the team on May 24, 2017.[1] He made his professional debut on June 25, 2017, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Over three seasons, he played in 36 regular season games, recording 14 defensive tackles, 30 special teams tackles, two quarterback sacks, and one forced fumble. On May 4, 2020, Onyeka was released by the Argonauts.[2]
On May 19, 2020, Onyeka signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[3] He signed a one-year contract extension with the team on December 22, 2020.[4] He was released on July 20, 2021.[5]
On July 24, 2021, it was announced that Onyeka had signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[6] He played in two games for the team and spent time on the practice roster before being released on October 4, 2021.[7]
On October 28, 2021, it was announced that Onyeka had re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[8]
Onyeka signed with the Edmonton Elks to open free agency on February 8, 2022 to a three-year contract.[9] However, it was announced that he had retired on March 18, 2022.[10]
Onyeka is the cousin of defensive end Kene Onyeka and defensive back Godfrey Onyeka, both of whom also play in the Canadian Football League.[11] He is of Nigerian descent.[12]