Jeff Okudah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jeff Okudah

Okudah with Lions in 2022
No. 21 – Minnesota Vikings
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1999-02-02) February 2, 1999 (age 26) Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:	South Grand Prairie
College:	Ohio State (2017–2019)
NFL Draft:	2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3
Career history
Detroit Lions (2020–2022) Atlanta Falcons (2023) Houston Texans (2024) Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
Unanimous All-American (2019) First-team All-Big Ten (2019)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 177 Forced fumbles: 1 Pass deflections: 14 Interceptions: 2 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Jeffrey Chidera Okudah (born February 2, 1999) is an American professional football player. He plays as a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2019, he was recognized as a unanimous All-American, meaning he was considered one of the best college players by many different groups. The Detroit Lions chose him as the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School

Okudah was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. His parents are from Nigeria. He went to South Grand Prairie High School in his hometown. He was a highly-rated player, meaning many colleges wanted him. In January 2017, he decided to play for Ohio State University.

College Football Career

Jeff Okudah started playing for Ohio State in 2017 as a freshman. He played in all 14 games that season. He made 17 tackles, which means he stopped the opposing team's players 17 times.

In 2018, during his second year, he played in 13 games. He recorded 32 tackles.

His junior year in 2019 was very successful. He made his first career interception against the Miami Redhawks. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. That season, Okudah had 34 tackles, broke up 9 passes, and made 3 interceptions. Because of his great performance, he was named to the 2019 College Football All-America Team. He was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football. After this season, Okudah decided to enter the 2020 NFL draft instead of playing his final year of college.

Professional Football Career

Okudah playing against the Washington Football Team in 2020.

Detroit Lions (2020–2022)

Many experts thought Jeff Okudah was the best cornerback available in the 2020 NFL draft. The Detroit Lions chose him as the third player picked overall. He signed his first professional contract with the Lions on July 13, 2020. This contract was worth over $33 million.

He had a hamstring injury during practice and missed the first game of the season. He returned to play in Week 2. The following week, he made his first NFL interception against Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Later that season, on December 15, he had surgery for a core muscle injury and was placed on injured reserve. This means he could not play for the rest of the season.

In the Lions' first game of the 2021 season, Okudah suffered a serious leg injury. He tore his Achilles tendon. He was again placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season.

Atlanta Falcons (2023)

On April 13, 2023, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons gave the Lions a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft in exchange for him.

Houston Texans (2024)

Okudah signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans on March 15, 2024. He was placed on injured reserve on September 11, 2024, due to an injury. He was able to return to play on November 18, 2024.

Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)

On March 18, 2025, Jeff Okudah signed a one-year contract to play for the Minnesota Vikings. He is currently playing for them.

NFL Career Statistics