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: | Vincent Massey (Brandon, Manitoba, Canada) | ||||||||||
| University: | Manitoba | ||||||||||
| CFL draft: | 2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 17 | ||||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||||
Israel Idonije (born November 17, 1980) is a Nigerian-Canadian who used to play professional American football as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He also became an actor. Idonije played college football at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Even though he was drafted by a Canadian Football League (CFL) team, he never played for them. Instead, he joined the Cleveland Browns in the NFL in 2003.
He also played for the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants during his career.
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Early life and first steps in football
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 there. Even though he had never played football before and wasn't sure about it, his coach, Kevin Grindey, convinced him to join the school's Canadian football team in 1997. This was when Idonije was a senior in high school.
University football career
Idonije continued to play football for the Manitoba Bisons at the University of Manitoba. While studying, 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, which is one of the best records in Bison history. He helped his team reach the 2001 Vanier Cup, which is like the championship game for Canadian university football. In 2002, he was named Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year. However, his main goal was to play in the National Football League.
Professional football journey
Joining the NFL
Idonije was not invited to the main NFL tryout event called the NFL Combine. But he went anyway to share videos of his games from the University of Manitoba. Nine NFL teams were supposed to watch him practice later in Manitoba, but only one team, the Cleveland Browns, showed up. This was because of a health concern at the time.
The Browns signed Idonije on May 2, 2003. He was later put on injured reserve and then left the team.
Playing for the Chicago Bears
Idonije then 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, known as a "gunner."
In 2006, the Buffalo Bills tried to sign him, but the Bears kept him by matching their offer. During the 2007 NFL season, Idonije had an amazing streak, blocking 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.
In 2010, during a game against the Carolina Panthers, Idonije made 3 sacks. In 2011, he scored his first NFL touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. He recovered a fumble in the end zone after another player, Tarvaris Jackson, lost the ball.
In 2012, Idonije moved to play as a defensive tackle. He continued to play well, getting 2.5 sacks in two different games that season. He finished the year with 40 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was also named to the USA Today All-Joe Team, which honors hardworking players.
Detroit Lions and New York Giants
On June 25, 2013, Idonije signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. He played one season with them, recording 11 tackles and half a sack.
He briefly returned to the Chicago Bears on March 18, 2014, but was released a few months later. He then signed with the New York Giants on August 5, 2014, but was released before the season started.
Life outside football
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Athlitacomics
Idonije is also a creative person! He started his own comic book company called Athleta Comics. In October 2012, he showed off his new comic, The Protectors. He got the idea for it back in 2007. The Protectors is about super athletes in the future who discover they have special powers to help protect humanity. Idonije worked with writer Ron Marz and artist Bart Sears to create the comic.
He also created Sports Heroes, which shows athletes through comic art. Athleta Comics even became a licensed partner with the NFL Players Association. In 2018, Idonije and Athlitacomics teamed up with the Chicago Bears to create a "Monsters of the Midway" comic universe to promote the Bears' schedule.
Idonije also launched a book series for children called DreamKidz Love. These books help kids learn about social and emotional awareness. His first book, "I Love Me (Izzy Cover)," came out in January 2017.
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.
Idonije and Ask The Doctor also created a scholarship fund. This fund helps students who are starting their first year at a college or university in America or Canada. It also helps high school graduates or dropouts who want to start a digital health company.
iF Charities
In 2007, Idonije started iF Charities, which is a non-profit organization. It helps communities in Chicago, Winnipeg, and West Africa, which are all places Idonije has lived. iF Charities runs different 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 individuals, churches, and other religious groups.
The Bureau Chicago
Idonije opened a space in Chicago called The Bureau Chicago. It's a place where people can have offices, meetings, and business events.
Order of Manitoba
On May 12, 2014, it was announced that Idonije would be inducted into the Order of Manitoba. This is a very special honor in Manitoba, Canada. The ceremony took place on May 21, 2014, in Winnipeg.
Chicago Red Stars
On March 1, 2021, the Chicago Red Stars, a professional women's soccer team, announced that Idonije had joined their ownership group. This means he became one of the owners of the team.
Images for kids
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Idonije in 2008
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Idonije announcing a pick at the 2016 NFL draft
