Chris Odom facts for kids
Odom with the Washington Redskins in 2019
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | September 16, 1994 Arlington, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 262 lb (119 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Martin (Arlington) | ||||||
| College: | Arkansas State (2013–2016) | ||||||
| Undrafted: | 2017 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Chris Odom (born September 16, 1994) is an American football player. He plays as a defensive end. This means he tries to stop the other team's offense. Chris played college football at Arkansas State. He has also played for several professional teams. These include the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Redskins. In 2022, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the USFL. He led the league in sacks that year.
Early Years in Football
Chris Odom grew up in Arlington, Texas. He played high school football at Martin High School. In his final year, he made 32 tackles. This earned him an all-district award as a defensive end. He also ran track and field for his school.
College Football Career
Chris played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves from 2013 to 2016. In 2013, he played in all 13 games. He made 8 solo tackles and 3 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback.
In 2014, he played in all 13 games. He started 3 of them. He had 12 solo tackles and 1 sack. He also broke up 2 passes and blocked 1 kick. Blocking a kick means stopping a punt or field goal attempt.
During 2015, Chris played in 11 games. He blocked 3 kicks that season. This was one of the best records in his school's history.
His senior year in 2016 was his best. He played in all 13 games. He made 28 solo tackles and 12.5 sacks. He also forced 4 fumbles. This means he knocked the ball loose from an opposing player. He earned First-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Chris finished his college career with 5 blocked kicks. This was the second-highest in his school's history. He studied Sport Management at Arkansas State.
Professional Football Journey
Starting in the NFL
After college, Chris was considered a good defensive end. He was rated 41st in his position for the 2017 NFL draft. Even though he wasn't drafted, the Atlanta Falcons signed him in May 2017. He was later released by the Falcons.
Playing for the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers then picked up Chris in September 2017. He played for them for a while. In September 2018, the Packers released him.
Time with the Salt Lake Stallions
In late 2018, Chris joined the Salt Lake Stallions. This team was part of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). He played well, making 7 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also hit the quarterback 8 times.
Back with the Atlanta Falcons
Chris signed with the Falcons again in April 2019. This was his second time with the team. However, he was released before the season started.
Joining the Washington Redskins
Chris then signed with the Washington Redskins practice squad in September 2019. He was later moved to the main team. In a game against the Carolina Panthers, Chris had a great performance. He sacked the quarterback twice. One of these sacks caused the quarterback to drop the ball. His teammate recovered it, helping the Redskins win. Chris finished the season with 10 tackles and 2 sacks. He was released in February 2020.
Playing in Canada
In 2021, Chris signed with the Calgary Stampeders. This team plays in the Canadian Football League. He was on their practice team and played in three games. He was released in November 2021.
Success in the USFL
Chris was drafted by the Houston Gamblers in the USFL in 2022. He had an amazing season. He led the entire league in sacks. Because of his great play, he was named the USFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Brief Time with the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns signed Chris in August 2022. However, he got a serious knee injury. This meant he couldn't play for them that season.
Return to Houston
In December 2023, Chris re-signed with the Gamblers. The Gamblers team later changed its name to the Houston Roughnecks. Chris was named to the 2024 All-UFL team. This means he was one of the best players in the league that year.
Family Life
Chris Odom's father, Cliff, was also a professional football player. He played in the NFL too.
