Michael Ojemudia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Michael Ojemudia

Ojemudia with the DC Defenders in 2025
No. 5 – DC Defenders
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1997-09-12) September 12, 1997 (age 27) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:	Harrison (Farmington Hills, Michigan)
College:	Iowa (2015–2019)
NFL Draft:	2020 / Round: 3 / Pick: 77
Career history
Denver Broncos (2020) Chicago Bears (2022) Los Angeles Rams (2023)* Arizona Cardinals (2024)* DC Defenders (2025–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
UFL champion (2025) Second-team All-Big Ten (2019)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles: 73 Forced fumbles: 4 Pass deflections: 8
Player stats at PFR

Michael Ojemudia (born September 12, 1997) is an American professional football player. He plays as a cornerback for the DC Defenders in the United Football League (UFL). Before joining the UFL, he played college football at Iowa. The Denver Broncos chose Ojemudia in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.

College Football Journey

Michael Ojemudia played high school football at Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He decided to play for Iowa on January 28, 2015. He chose Iowa over other schools like Indiana and Wyoming.

When he first joined Iowa, Ojemudia was a linebacker. He spent his first year as a "redshirt" player, meaning he practiced with the team but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience without using up a year of his college eligibility.

After his redshirt year, the coaches moved him to cornerback. He played in every game during his first year on the field. He started some games in his second year and improved a lot. By his senior year, he was a full-time starter. After his senior season, Ojemudia took part in the 2020 Senior Bowl and the 2020 NFL Combine. These events help professional teams evaluate college players.

Professional Football Career

Getting Ready for the NFL Draft

After his senior year at Iowa, Michael Ojemudia decided to enter the 2020 NFL draft. He was invited to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. At first, many experts did not think he would be drafted very high. However, he performed very well at the Senior Bowl, which helped teams notice his talent.

On March 1, 2020, Ojemudia showed off his skills at the NFL Combine. By the end of the pre-draft process, most experts believed he would be picked in the second to fifth round of the draft.

Playing for the Denver Broncos

2020 Season Highlights

The Denver Broncos selected Ojemudia in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. He was the 77th player chosen overall. When he started his first training camp with the Broncos, Ojemudia was a starting cornerback. He played alongside experienced players like A. J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan.

The Broncos' head coach, Vic Fangio, officially named Ojemudia a starting cornerback. He played in the team's "nickel defense," which uses five defensive backs. Ojemudia made his first NFL start in the Broncos' first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans.

In Week 6 of the 2020 season, Ojemudia made his first career forced fumble against the New England Patriots. This happened during an 18–12 win for the Broncos. In Week 17, he forced two more fumbles against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ojemudia played in all 16 games during his first year, starting 11 of them. He had 62 total tackles, defended six passes, and forced four fumbles. He played in 78% of the team's defensive plays.

2021 Season Challenges

In his second year, Ojemudia was expected to be the fourth cornerback on the team. However, a new rookie player, Patrick Surtain II, moved ahead of him on the depth chart during preseason.

On September 1, 2021, Ojemudia was placed on injured reserve at the start of the season. This meant he could not play due to an injury. He was able to return to play on December 11.

Ojemudia played in two games during the 2021 season. In the final game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he made his only start of the season. He had a strong performance with eight tackles and two passes defended.

2022 Season and Departure

Before the 2022 season, Ojemudia competed for a starting cornerback spot. However, he was named the fourth cornerback on the team's depth chart. On August 31, he was again placed on injured reserve. He was activated on October 17. The Broncos waived him on December 27, 2022, which means they released him from the team.

Moving to Other Teams

Chicago Bears

On December 28, 2022, the Chicago Bears claimed Ojemudia. This means they picked him up after the Broncos released him. He was waived by the Bears on August 29, 2023.

Los Angeles Rams

On September 21, 2023, Ojemudia signed with the practice squad of the Los Angeles Rams. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but are not on the main roster. Their contracts usually expire after the season.

Arizona Cardinals

On January 30, 2024, Ojemudia signed a "reserve/future contract" with the Arizona Cardinals. This type of contract means a player will join the team for the next season. He was waived by the Cardinals on August 26, 2024.

Joining the DC Defenders

On January 23, 2025, Michael Ojemudia signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He is currently playing for them.

Career Statistics

Regular Season Performance

About Michael's Life

Michael Ojemudia's father, Dennis, was born in Nigeria and later moved to the United States. He works as an engineer for Ford Motor Company. Michael studied mechanical engineering at Iowa. He plans to work in the car industry after his football career.

Michael's older brother, Mario, also played college football at Michigan. Mario now works for the Denver Broncos in their corporate partnerships department.

In high school, Ojemudia was a talented track athlete. He was an all-state performer in the 110-meter hurdles.