| Joel Iyiegbuniwe | |
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Birth Date: | 1995 10, mf=yes |
| Birth Place: | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 1 |
| Weight Lb: | 235 |
| High School: | South Warren (Bowling Green, Kentucky) |
| College: | Western Kentucky (2014–2017) |
| Draftyear: | 2018 |
| Draftround: | 4 |
| Draftpick: | 115 |
| Pastteams: | |
| Highlights: |
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| Statleague: | NFL |
| Statlabel1: | Total tackles |
| Statvalue1: | 31 |
| Statlabel2: | Sacks |
| Statlabel3: | Forced fumbles |
| Statvalue3: | 1 |
| Statlabel4: | Fumble recoveries |
| Statlabel5: | Pass deflections |
| Statvalue5: | 1 |
| Statlabel6: | Interceptions |
| Statlabel7: | Defensive touchdowns |
| Pfr: | IyieJo00 |
Joel Iyiegbuniwe (born October 12, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Iyiegbuniwe attended South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Although he only played in four games as a senior, he tallied 23 tackles and one interception along with six touchdowns. As a junior he made 64 tackles with three interceptions along with four touchdowns.[1] Iyiegbuniwe committed to play football for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in December 2013, choosing them over Indiana State and Southern Illinois.[2]
As a true freshman in 2014, Iyiegbuniwe played in the first three games of Western Kentucky's season before a knee injury ended his season. He elected to take a medical redshirt.[3]
In 2015, as a redshirt freshman, Iyiegbuniwe played in all 14 of Western Kentucky's games, recording 19 tackles and one sack.[4]
In 2016, Iyiegbuniwe, now a redshirt sophomore, once again appeared in all 14 games. He made 64 tackles (10 for loss), 3.5 sacks, three pass deflections and one forced fumble.[5] He was awarded 2016 C-USA Honorable Mention.[6]
As a redshirt junior in 2017, Iyiegbuniwe played in all 13 games, recording 117 tackles (11.5 for loss), two sacks, one pass deflection and three forced fumbles.[7] He was named to the 2017 C-USA First-team.[8] After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.[9]
Iyiegbuniwe was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[10]
On March 24, 2022, Iyiegbuniwe signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.[11] He was released on August 20, 2022.[12]
On October 20, 2022, Iyiegbuniwe was signed to the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers.[13] He was promoted to the active roster on November 19.[14]
On January 19, 2024, Iyiegbuniwe signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).[15] His contract was terminated on August 19, to sign with an NFL team.[16]
On August 19, 2024, Iyiegbuniwe signed with the Detroit Lions.[17] He was released on August 27.[18]
Iyiegbuniwe is of Nigerian descent.[19]