Uzooma Okeke facts for kids
| Date of birth: | September 3, 1970 |
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| Place of birth: | Beaumont, Texas, U.S. |
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Career information
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| CFL status: | Import |
| Position(s): | OT |
| College: | SMU |
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Organizations
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Career highlights and awards
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| CFL All-Star: | 1997–1999, 2002–2005 |
| CFL East All-Star: | 1997–1999, 2002–2005 |
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Career stats
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Canadian Football Hall of Fame, 2014
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Uzooma Okeke (born September 3, 1970) is a famous former CFL player. He was an offensive tackle for the Montreal Alouettes. Uzooma helped his team win the Grey Cup in 2002. After he stopped playing, he joined the Alouettes as a scout. He now helps the team with football operations.
College Football Star
Uzooma Okeke played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He was a key player for two years as an offensive tackle. He played both offense and defense for his team. Uzooma was part of the team that brought football back to SMU. This happened after the team had faced a difficult time. His coach, Forrest Gregg, helped him become a great player. Uzooma also worked hard to earn his college degree. He graduated from SMU with a degree in Public Relations.
Playing in the CFL
Uzooma Okeke started his CFL career in 1994. His college coach, Forrest Gregg, invited him to play for the Shreveport Pirates. He played with the Pirates in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, he moved to the Ottawa Rough Riders.
His most successful time began in 1997. He joined the Montreal Alouettes and played with them for 10 years. He was a very strong and reliable player for their offensive line. An offensive line protects the quarterback and helps the team run the ball. Uzooma was chosen as an All-Star six times. This means he was one of the best players in the league.
In 1998, he won the Leo Dandurand Trophy. This award is given to the best lineman in the East division. In 1999, he won the CFL's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award. This award means he was the best offensive lineman in the entire CFL.
Uzooma stopped playing football before the 2007 season. He then joined the Montreal Alouettes as a scout. A scout finds new players for the team.
Hall of Fame
In 2014, Uzooma Okeke was honored for his amazing career. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. This is a very special award for football players. It means he is one of the greatest players in Canadian football history.
