Ola Adeniyi Explained

Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
Position:Outside linebacker
Birth Date:12 September 1997
Birth Place:Lagos, Nigeria[1]
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lbs:248
High School:George Bush
(Richmond, Texas)
College:Toledo
Undraftedyear:2018
Pastteams:
Statleague:NFL
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statvalue1:49
Statlabel2:Sacks
Statvalue2:2.5
Statlabel3:Interceptions
Statlabel4:Pass deflections
Statvalue4:1
Statlabel5:Forced fumbles
Statvalue5:3
Statlabel6:Fumble recoveries
Pfr:AdenOl00

Olasunkanmi "Ola" Adeniyi (born September 12, 1997) is a Nigerian-born American football player who is a free agent. He played college football at Toledo. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Early life

When Adeniyi was six years old, his mother, Esther, moved to the United States in order set up a better life for Adeniyi's family. Adeniyi and his older brother, Olamide, stayed with a family member in Nigeria.[2] After two years, he and his brother moved to Houston, Texas reuniting with their mother.[3] He graduated from George Bush High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. As a senior, he recorded 76 tackles, of which 18 were for loss, and five sacks.[4] He signed to play football for the Toledo Rockets in February 2014.[5]

College career

Adeniyi did not play as a true freshman in 2014 and chose to redshirt. As a redshirt freshman in 2015, he played in seven games as a backup.

Adeniyi's breakout year came in 2016 as a redshirt sophomore as he played in all 13 of Toledo's games, starting 12. In those 13 games, he tallied 49 tackles (eight for loss) and four sacks.[6]

As a redshirt junior in 2017, Adeniyi played in all 14 of Toledo's games, recording 66 tackles (20 for loss), 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.[7] He was named to the 2017 All-MAC Second-team.[8] After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.[9]

Professional career

Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)

Adeniyi signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018.[10] He was placed on injured reserve on September 3, 2018.[11] He was activated off injured reserve on December 1, 2018.[12]

In Week 9 of the 2019 season against the Indianapolis Colts, Adeniyi forced a fumble on Chester Rogers during a kick return and the ball was recovered by teammate Johnny Holton in the 26–24 win.[13]

Tennessee Titans

Adeniyi signed with the Tennessee Titans on March 22, 2021.[14] He entered the season as a backup linebacker and core special teamer. He finished third on the team in special teams tackles, and had a career-high 2.5 sacks on defense.

On March 25, 2022, Adeniyi re-signed with the Titans.[15] He was placed on injured reserve on October 17, 2022 with a neck injury.[16] He was activated on December 3.[17] On December 12, Adeniyi was released by the Titans.[18]

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)

On December 13, 2022, Adeniyi signed a deal to return to the Steelers.[19]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wexell . Jim . Squat, strong Adeniyi top pass-rusher of Steelers' rookie class . October 24, 2018 . 247sports.
  2. Web site: Adeniyi: 'I love her'. May 12, 2019. November 11, 2022. Teresa. Varley. Steelers.com.
  3. Web site: "My Mom is My Hero": Titans LB Ola Adeniyi Credits His Mother for Life-Changing Sacrifices, and Lessons Learned. May 7, 2021. TennesseeTitans.com. Jim. Wyatt. November 11, 2022.
  4. Web site: Olasunkanmi Adeniyi . January 15, 2018 . University of Toledo Athletics.
  5. Web site: MAC Football Signing Day . January 15, 2018 . Mid-American Conference.
  6. Web site: Olasunkanmi Adeniyi 2016 Player Statistics . January 15, 2018 . cfbstats.com.
  7. Web site: Olasunkanmi Adeniyi 2017 Player Statistics . January 15, 2018 . cfbstats.com.
  8. Web site: MAC ANNOUNCES 2017 POSTSEASON FOOTBALL AWARDS . January 15, 2018 . Mid-American Conference.
  9. Web site: UT's Adeniyi announces he will enter 2018 NFL Draft . January 15, 2018 . The Blade.
  10. Web site: April 28, 2018 . Steelers agree to terms with 13 rookie free agents . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180504020931/http://www.steelers.com/news/transactions/article-4/Steelers-agree-to-terms-with-13-rookie-free-agents/46f73ccb-6045-47ed-b951-023dffbb8e9a . May 4, 2018 . Steelers.com.
  11. Web site: September 3, 2018 . Steelers re-sign Berhe to active roster . Steelers.com.
  12. Web site: December 1, 2018 . Steelers activate Adeniyi to 53-man roster . Steelers.com.
  13. Web site: November 3, 2019 . Vinatieri misses late, Steelers edge Colts 26-24 . November 3, 2019 . . Associated Press.
  14. News: Wyatt, Jim . March 22, 2021 . Titans Add LB/Special Teams Ace in Ola Adeniyi, Formerly of the Steelers . TennesseeTitans.com . March 23, 2021.
  15. Web site: Titans Agree to Terms With OLB/Special Teams Standout Ola Adeniyi. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. March 25, 2022.
  16. Web site: Titans Place OLB Ola Adeniyi on Injured Reserve. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. October 17, 2022.
  17. Web site: Titans Activate OLB Ola Adeniyi from Injured Reserve, Waive Kicker Caleb Shudak. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. December 3, 2022.
  18. Web site: Titans Release OLB Ola Adeniyi, LB Joe Schobert. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. December 12, 2022.
  19. Web site: Steelers sign former Titans linebacker Ola Adeniyi. September 23, 2023. steelerswire.usatoday.com. en.