From Lagos to the biggest stage in American football, Moro Ojomo has made history, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX.
On February 9, 2025, the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, securing their fifth NFL title and avenging their Super Bowl LVII loss to the same team.
Ojomo’s Journey: From Lagos to the NFL
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ojomo moved to the U.S. at age seven when his family relocated to California in 2009. His father was a pastor, and his mother worked in IT. They later settled in Houston, Texas, where Ojomo attended Katy High School.
Despite starting high school two years younger than most classmates, Ojomo didn’t join the varsity football team until his junior year. However, his hard work in training paid off, earning him All-District honors as a defensive lineman.
By his senior year, he was one of the top defensive players in Texas. Reflecting on his journey, Ojomo once said:
"Nothing comes in life without hard work… I know what it’s like to compete for a starting spot."
Ojomo played college football for the Texas Longhorns, recording 95 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in five seasons.
NFL Draft Struggles and Breakthrough
When Ojomo declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he was excited but grew anxious as his name wasn’t called until the seventh round. Just when he thought his dream was slipping away, the Philadelphia Eagles selected him with one of the last picks.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman told him:
"We can’t believe you’re still here in the seventh round. We know you’ll prove yourself."
His journey from being overlooked to earning a place in the team reflected his resilience.
Rise in the NFL
As a rookie, Ojomo played just 6% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. But in 2024, he secured a bigger role, making 20 tackles and recording his first career sack in the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Los Angeles Rams.
Super Bowl Heroics
In Super Bowl LIX, Ojomo played a crucial role in defense, recording two tackles and a key tackle for loss. His efforts helped shut down Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes for nearly three quarters, ensuring the Eagles’ dominance.
A Nigerian Star in the NFL
Ojomo joins a growing list of Nigerian-born NFL players, including C.J. Uzomah, Chris Oladokun, Charles Omenihu, and others. His story is an inspiration for young athletes, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
His Super Bowl ring is more than a trophy—it’s a symbol of perseverance and triumph.
