David Njoku facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
David Njoku

Njoku with the Cleveland Browns in 2021
No. 85 – Cleveland Browns
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1996-07-10) July 10, 1996 (age 28) Cedar Grove, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	246 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:	Cedar Grove
College:	Miami (FL) (2014–2016)
NFL Draft:	2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29
Career history
Cleveland Browns (2017–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowl (2023)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Receptions: 351 Receiving yards: 3,769 Receiving touchdowns: 30
Player stats at PFR

David Njoku (pronounced "in-JOH-koo"; born July 10, 1996) is an American professional football player. He plays as a tight end for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football at the University of Miami. The Browns chose him in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Sports

David Njoku grew up in a big family. He is one of nine children born to parents from Nigeria. They are from the Igbo group and moved to the United States.

David went to Cedar Grove High School in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He was a star player on the football team. During his time there, he caught the ball 76 times for 1,794 yards. He also scored 19 touchdowns. Many colleges wanted him to play for them. He chose to play for the University of Miami.

Besides football, David was also a talented high jump athlete. In 2014, his senior year, he won the national championship in high jump at a big event called New Balance Nationals Outdoor.

College Football Career

David started at the University of Miami in 2014. He spent his first year as a "redshirt," which means he practiced with the team but didn't play in games. This allowed him to train and get stronger.

In 2015, David played in all 13 games. He caught 21 passes for 362 yards and scored one touchdown. In 2016, he had an even better year. He caught 43 passes for 698 yards and scored eight touchdowns. After this successful season, David decided to leave college early. He chose to enter the 2017 NFL draft to become a professional player.

Becoming a Pro Football Player

Before the NFL Draft, David Njoku showed off his skills at the NFL Combine. This is where players do different tests and drills for NFL teams. He performed very well, showing how fast and strong he was. Many experts thought he would be picked in the first round of the draft.

Joining the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns picked David Njoku in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the 29th player chosen overall. He was also the third tight end picked that year. In June 2017, the Browns signed David to a four-year contract.

First Seasons (2017-2018)

David played his first NFL game on September 10, 2017. He caught two passes for 20 yards. In his second game, he scored his first NFL touchdown. He finished his first year with 32 catches for 386 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2018, David became the Browns' main starting tight end. He played in all 16 games. He had a great season, catching 56 passes for 639 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

Overcoming Injuries (2019-2022)

The 2019 season started with a touchdown for David. However, he got injured in Week 2, breaking his wrist. He missed many games but came back to play later in the season.

In 2020, David also dealt with a knee injury early in the season. He was able to return and played in 13 games. He caught 19 passes and scored two touchdowns.

The 2021 season was strong for David. In one game, he caught seven passes for 149 yards, including a long 71-yard touchdown catch. He played in 16 games and scored four touchdowns that year.

In 2022, the Browns signed David to a big four-year contract. He suffered an ankle injury during the season but did not need surgery. He still played in 14 games, catching 58 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns.

Pro Bowl Recognition (2023)

On September 30, 2023, David had a "freak accident" at home, suffering burns to his face and arms. Despite this, he played in the next game. Later that season, in Week 14, he scored two touchdowns in one game for the first time in his career.

Because of his excellent performance in 2023, David Njoku was chosen for his first ever Pro Bowl. This is a special game where the best players from the NFL play against each other.

Personal Life

After his accident in September 2023, David Njoku has supported the American Burn Association. He wants to help others who have suffered burns.

In 2022, David was honored in his family's village in Nigeria. He was named a Nigerian chief in Umuozu, which is in Imo State.

Images for kids

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  Njoku with the Cleveland Browns in 2018

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  Njoku playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021