Ola Adeniyi

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Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
refer to caption
Adeniyi with the Tennessee Titans in 2021
Personal information
Born: (1997-09-12) September 12, 1997 (age 27)
Lagos, Nigeria[1]
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:George Bush
(Richmond, Texas)
College:Toledo
Position:Outside linebacker
Undrafted:2018
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:49
Sacks:2.5
Pass deflections:1
Forced fumbles:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Olasunkanmi "Ola" Adeniyi (born September 12, 1997) is a Nigerian-born American football player who is a free agent. He played college football at Toledo. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Early life

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When Adeniyi was six years old, his mother, Esther, moved to the United States in order set up a better life for Adeniyi's family. Adeniyi and his older brother, Olamide, stayed with a family member in Nigeria.[2] After two years, he and his brother moved to Houston, Texas reuniting with their mother.[3] He graduated from George Bush High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. As a senior, he recorded 76 tackles, of which 18 were for loss, and five sacks.[4] He signed to play football for the Toledo Rockets in February 2014.[5]

College career

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Adeniyi did not play as a true freshman in 2014 and chose to redshirt. As a redshirt freshman in 2015, he played in seven games as a backup.

Adeniyi's breakout year came in 2016 as a redshirt sophomore as he played in all 13 of Toledo's games, starting 12. In those 13 games, he tallied 49 tackles (eight for loss) and four sacks.[6]

As a redshirt junior in 2017, Adeniyi played in all 14 of Toledo's games, recording 66 tackles (20 for loss), 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.[7] He was named to the 2017 All-MAC Second-team.[8] After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.[9]

Professional career

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Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)

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Adeniyi signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018.[10] He was placed on injured reserve on September 3, 2018.[11] He was activated off injured reserve on December 1, 2018.[12]

In Week 9 of the 2019 season against the Indianapolis Colts, Adeniyi forced a fumble on Chester Rogers during a kick return and the ball was recovered by teammate Johnny Holton in the 26–24 win.[13]

Tennessee Titans

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Adeniyi in 2021

Adeniyi signed with the Tennessee Titans on March 22, 2021.[14] He entered the season as a backup linebacker and core special teamer. He finished third on the team in special teams tackles, and had a career-high 2.5 sacks on defense.

On March 25, 2022, Adeniyi re-signed with the Titans.[15] He was placed on injured reserve on October 17, 2022 with a neck injury.[16] He was activated on December 3.[17] On December 12, Adeniyi was released by the Titans.[18]

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)

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On December 13, 2022, Adeniyi signed a deal to return to the Steelers.[19]

References

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  1. ^ Wexell, Jim. "Squat, strong Adeniyi top pass-rusher of Steelers' rookie class". 247sports. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  2. ^ Varley, Teresa (May 12, 2019). "Adeniyi: 'I love her'". Steelers.com. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  3. ^ Wyatt, Jim (May 7, 2021). ""My Mom is My Hero": Titans LB Ola Adeniyi Credits His Mother for Life-Changing Sacrifices, and Lessons Learned". TennesseeTitans.com. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  4. ^ "Olasunkanmi Adeniyi". University of Toledo Athletics. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "MAC Football Signing Day". Mid-American Conference. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  6. ^ "Olasunkanmi Adeniyi 2016 Player Statistics". cfbstats.com. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  7. ^ "Olasunkanmi Adeniyi 2017 Player Statistics". cfbstats.com. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  8. ^ "MAC ANNOUNCES 2017 POSTSEASON FOOTBALL AWARDS". Mid-American Conference. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  9. ^ "UT's Adeniyi announces he will enter 2018 NFL Draft". The Blade. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  10. ^ "Steelers agree to terms with 13 rookie free agents". Steelers.com. April 28, 2018. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018.
  11. ^ "Steelers re-sign Berhe to active roster". Steelers.com. September 3, 2018.
  12. ^ "Steelers activate Adeniyi to 53-man roster". Steelers.com. December 1, 2018.
  13. ^ "Vinatieri misses late, Steelers edge Colts 26-24". ESPN. Associated Press. November 3, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  14. ^ Wyatt, Jim (March 22, 2021). "Titans Add LB/Special Teams Ace in Ola Adeniyi, Formerly of the Steelers". TennesseeTitans.com. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  15. ^ Wyatt, Jim (March 25, 2022). "Titans Agree to Terms With OLB/Special Teams Standout Ola Adeniyi". TennesseeTitans.com.
  16. ^ Wyatt, Jim (October 17, 2022). "Titans Place OLB Ola Adeniyi on Injured Reserve". TennesseeTitans.com.
  17. ^ Wyatt, Jim (December 3, 2022). "Titans Activate OLB Ola Adeniyi from Injured Reserve, Waive Kicker Caleb Shudak". TennesseeTitans.com.
  18. ^ Wyatt, Jim (December 12, 2022). "Titans Release OLB Ola Adeniyi, LB Joe Schobert". TennesseeTitans.com.
  19. ^ "Steelers sign former Titans linebacker Ola Adeniyi". steelerswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
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