Israel Idonije facts for kids
Idonije in 2008
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| No. 71, 77 | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | November 17, 1980 Lagos, Nigeria |
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| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 275 lb (125 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Brandon (MB) Massey | ||||||||||
| University: | Manitoba | ||||||||||
| CFL draft: | 2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 17 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||
Israel Idonije OM (born November 17, 1980) is a former professional football player from Nigeria and Canada. He was a strong defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Idonije played college football at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Even though he was drafted by a Canadian team, he chose to play in the NFL. He played for teams like the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants. He also had a career as an actor.
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Early Life and Football Start
Israel Idonije was born in Lagos, Nigeria. When he was four years old, his family moved to Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. He went to Vincent Massey High School in Brandon.
Even though he had never played football before, his coach, Kevin Grindey, convinced him to join the school's new football team in 1997. This was during his senior year of high school.
University Football Career
Idonije went on to play college football for the Manitoba Bisons. While playing, he also worked as a daycare teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was chosen 17th overall by the Ottawa Renegades in the 2003 CFL Draft.
From 2000 to 2002, Idonije made 16 sacks for the Bisons. This is the fourth-highest in the team's history. He helped the Bisons reach the 2001 Vanier Cup, which is like the championship game for Canadian college football. In 2002, he was named Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year. However, his main goal was to play in the National Football League (NFL).
Professional Football Journey
Joining the NFL
Idonije was not invited to the NFL Combine, where many college players show off their skills. But he went anyway to share tapes of his games from the University of Manitoba. Nine NFL teams were supposed to watch him at a special workout in Manitoba. However, only one team, the Cleveland Browns, showed up. This was because of worries about the SARS outbreak at the time.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns signed Idonije on May 2, 2003, as an undrafted free agent. This means he wasn't chosen in the main draft but was signed afterward. He was later placed on injured reserve and then released by the team in September 2003.
First Time with the Chicago Bears
After leaving the Browns, Idonije joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad for the last six weeks of the 2003 season. The next year, he made it onto the main team roster. He also played a special role on the punt coverage team, called a "gunner."
In 2006, the Buffalo Bills tried to sign him, but the Bears kept him by matching their offer. In 2007, Idonije blocked a field goal or extra point in three games in a row. In 2008, he had his best year yet with 3.5 sacks and 22 tackles. He signed a new contract with the Bears in 2009.
In 2010, he had a great game against the Carolina Panthers, getting 3 sacks. In 2011, he scored his first NFL touchdown. This happened when he recovered a fumble in the end zone during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
In 2012, Idonije moved to play as a defensive tackle. He had a strong preseason, getting 2.5 sacks against rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. He also had 2.5 sacks in a regular season game against the St. Louis Rams. He finished the season with 7.5 sacks and was recognized for his strong play.
Detroit Lions
On June 25, 2013, Idonije signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. During the 2013 season, he recorded 11 tackles and half a sack.
Second Time with the Chicago Bears
Idonije returned to the Bears on March 18, 2014, signing another one-year deal. However, the Bears released him a few months later on June 19, 2014.
New York Giants
Idonije signed with the New York Giants on August 5, 2014. He was released by the team later that month on August 30, 2014.
Life Beyond Football
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Israel Idonije has been busy with many projects outside of his football career.
Athlitacomics
Idonije created his own comic book company called Athleta Comics. In October 2012, he introduced his first comic, The Protectors. He got the idea for the comic while at a Chicago Bears training camp in 2007. The Protectors is about super athletes in the future who discover they have special powers to protect humanity.
He also created Sports Heroes, which shows athletes through comic art. Athleta Comics even became a partner with the NFL Players Association. In 2017, Idonije launched his "DreamKidz Love" book series. These books help children learn about social and emotional awareness.
Ask The Doctor
Idonije co-founded a medical question and answer service called Ask The Doctor. This website helps people get quick access to doctors from anywhere. They also started a scholarship fund for students interested in digital health.
iF Charities
In 2007, Idonije started iF Charities, a non-profit organization. It helps communities in Chicago, Winnipeg, and West Africa. These are all places that Idonije has lived in or called home. The charity runs several programs and events to support these communities.
Blessed Communion
Idonije also started a company called Blessed Communion in 2009. This company makes special pre-filled Communion cups for churches and religious groups.
The Bureau Chicago
Idonije opened a business space called The Bureau Chicago. It offers offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces in Chicago.
Order of Manitoba
On May 12, 2014, Israel Idonije was honored with the Order of Manitoba. This is a very high award given by the province of Manitoba, Canada. The ceremony took place on May 21, 2014.
Chicago Red Stars
On March 1, 2021, it was announced that Idonije had joined the ownership group of the Chicago Red Stars. This is a professional women's soccer team in the National Women's Soccer League.
