CO #97

CJ Okoye

Defensive Tackle

A Nigerian former basketball player who never suited up for a college team yet found his way onto an NFL active roster through the league's International Player Pathway.

C.J. Okoye's route to professional football skipped college entirely. Discovered through Osi Umenyiora's grassroots camps in Nigeria and developed through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, the massive defensive lineman has turned an unconventional background into a real NFL role, first with the Chargers and now in Baltimore.

★ Recorded a sack in his first-ever organized football game

★ Offensive MVP at the 2022 NFL Africa camp in Ghana

★ Promoted to Baltimore's active roster in October 2025

Path to the league

Okoye, born in Agbogugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, grew up playing basketball, including time as a center in Nigerian pro leagues, before transitioning to American football. He was identified by Osi Umenyiora at the UpRise camp and earned offensive MVP honors at the 2022 NFL Africa camp in Ghana, which led to a spot in the International Player Pathway Program and training at IMG Academy.

Career highlights

Okoye signed with the Los Angeles Chargers through the Pathway Program in May 2023 and recorded a sack in his very first organized football game, a preseason contest against the Rams, earning a game ball despite having no prior football experience. He spent his first two pro seasons on the Chargers' practice squad before Baltimore signed him to a reserve/future contract in January 2025.

2025 season recap

Okoye made the jump to Baltimore's active roster in October 2025 after signing with the club earlier in the year. Through the season he contributed as a depth interior lineman, recording 15 career tackles and a pass deflection at 6-foot-6 and 370 pounds.