Latest news with #Okoronkwo
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Eagles Add More Firepower On Defense Ahead Of Training Camp
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Philadelphia Eagles are adding edge-rusher depth as training camp gets underway. First reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Eagles have signed former Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to a one-year deal. Veteran DE Ogbo Okoronkwo is signing with the #Eagles, per source. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2025 Okoronkwo, 30 years old, spent the last two seasons in Cleveland after a one-year stint with the Houston Texans. He was released by the Browns last month with one year remaining on his three-year, $19 million contract. Browns beatwriter Mary Kay Cabot explained the reasoning behind his release: "It really looked like a cost saving measure. They were able to save $3.36 million on the cap by making this move now after June 1st," Cabot explained, highlighting the financial rationale behind the decision to release Okoronkwo. "If you can save 2 million here, 3 million here, 4 million there, that's the kind of thing that they need to do to manage their cap, to get it under control, to extend the guys they need to." CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 21: Ogbo Okoronkwo #54 of the Cleveland Browns rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 21: Ogbo Okoronkwo #54 of the Cleveland Browns rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, former fifth-round pick has been productive as a rotational pass-rusher, tallying 17.0 sacks across six seasons. Okoronkwo also won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams. From a cultural standpoint, Okoronkwo should fit in nicely with Philadelphia. Coaches consistently highlight his mindset, while younger teammates rely on his veteran presence and guidance. Last December, he teamed up with Raising Cane's to donate 100 custom bikes to children at the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared that he didn't always have opportunities like these, showing his commitment to the community. The Eagles had interest in Okoronkwo during the pre-draft process in 2018, and he now gets a chance to play for them seven years later. With the departures of Brandon Graham (retirement) and Josh Sweat (free agency), the Eagles are re-tooling along the edge. Okoronkwo joins a pass-rusher room that currently consists of Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, among others. Go birds! 🦅 — Ogbo Okoronkwo | Obeezy (@OgboOkoronkwo) July 22, 2025 Additionally, Philadelphia signed defensive tackle Jacob Sykes to their training camp roster following a workout. Sykes signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023, while Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt worked under Pete Carroll. Sykes has spent the last two seasons playing for the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas, recording 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 17 games. In corresponding moves, the Eagles waived DE KJ Henry and RB Lew Nichols. Players reported for training camp on Tuesday and will hold their first practice of the summer on Wednesday. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Fun facts about the new Eagles pass rusher, Ogbo Okoronkwo
There is more to Ogbo Okoronkwo than most people realize. We've signed DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and DT Jacob Sykes and waived DE KJ Henry and RB Lew Nichols. Summertime continues, but for the Philadelphia Eagles, it's time to go to work again. Rookies reported to training camp early. Veterans followed. Andrew Mukuba finally signed his rookie deal. A day before the first practice, the roster shuffle began. Two players were added, and two others exited the stage. Defensive end K.J. Henry and running back Lew Nichols were waived. To fill the vacated roster spaces, Philadelphia signed defensive tackle Jacob Sykes and defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Sykes played at Harvard and UCLA and is a former undrafted free agent claimed by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. He played the 2024 UFL season with the San Antonio Brahmas. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, we know a little better. He is a former fifth-rounder who won a Super Bowl ring as part of the Los Angeles Rams roster. Since then, he has also spent time with the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns. He now hopes to make the Eagles roster as part of a pass rush already featuring Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and Josh Uche. He's also an interesting person when he isn't wearing the shoulder pads. Here are a few fun facts about the new guy. Okoronkwo could have been a great NFL writer. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is of Nigerian descent, and he is often referred to as 'Ogbo' for short. He was born in Gainesville, Florida. He was raised in Houston, Texas, and believe it or not, he originally wanted to be a writer before discovering football. He still has a few sacks left in him, so a career in journalism can wait for a while, but once he hangs up the cleats, it's nice to know he has a job he can fall back on. Philadelphia may potentially land another community leader. The Philadelphia Eagles certainly aren't strangers to philanthropy. Harold Carmichael was once the 1980 NFL Man of the Year. Through the years, we've seen guys like Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and Brian Dawkins heavily involved in the community. Okoronkwo will fit right in. Fans and locals in the Cleveland area often praised him for having an approachable personality. There are even stories of him inviting a family to the field at a Browns game. How about a hand for an imposing resume? Although the off-field aspects are interesting, Okoronkwo's spot on the roster will only be guaranteed by one thing. The biggest question that needs to be answered is whether or not he can play football. Forty-four tackles and five sacks for the Texans in 2022 are the career highs of a six-year career. His addition to the Eagles' roster won't guarantee him anything, but now, at least, he has a chance to do something significant and join the defending Super Bowl champions. Will he make the most of his opportunity? Only time will tell.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Rams OLB Ogbo Okoronkwo signs with the Eagles
Okoronkwo will join his fourth team since being drafted by the Rams. Former Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo is on the move again. The veteran defender, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Okoronkwo, 30, was selected in the fifth round (No. 160 overall) by the Rams in the 2018 NFL Draft and spent the first four years of his career in Los Angeles, earning a Super Bowl ring in 2021 when the Rams defeated the Bengals 23-20. In 2022, he signed a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans. Following his time in Houston, he spent the last two seasons playing for the Cleveland Browns before being cut this offseason. Now entering his eighth season, the Gainesville native has appeared in 80 games with 13 starts and has recorded 132 tackles, 17 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his career. Okoronkwo played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was named a second-team All-American and Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Women's AFCON: Esther Okoronkwo in super-sub mode
This is what you call making an entrance. At the break, Nigeria led Tunisia 2-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca but had yet to fully convince. The score flattered them; control was patchy. Asisat Oshoala — a goal scorer but still lacking rhythm — stayed in the locker room for the second half. Coach Justin Madugu brought on Esther Okoronkwo, a change that, quietly but decisively, shifted the momentum of the match. In just 45 minutes, the 27-year-old striker lit up her flank. Powerful, mobile, constantly moving between the lines, she stretched the Tunisian defence, opened spaces, drew fouls, and delivered a perfect assist to Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria's third goal in the 84th minute. She may not have scored, but she gave the Nigerian attack its bite. "It doesn't matter where I start — what matters is the impact I have on the game," she said in the mixed zone, smiling broadly in a soaked shirt, her eyes still shining with adrenaline. An atypical profile, maximum efficiency From her very first touch, Okoronkwo imposed a new tempo. She dropped deep, linked play, and kept things simple. She gave the team breathing space and forced Tunisia to reorganize defensively. In the 73rd minute, she was the architect of another major chance: a driving run down the left, a pinpoint cut-back, and Uchenna Kanu finished without hesitation. "That's what I expect from her," Madugu said at the post-match press conference. "She doesn't need to score to be important. She reads the game well, anticipates the right movements, and creates opportunities." Statistically, her impact was clear. In one half, she touched the ball 24 times, completed 88% of her passes, won three fouls, created two clear chances, and recorded an assist. Her energetic display was in stark contrast to Oshoala's more static presence, despite the latter's goal. "What I like about Esther is her adaptability. She can play as a lone striker, out wide, or in a supporting role. She never complains, she works hard, and when she comes on, she always makes an impact," said Super Falcons veteran Ngozi Okobi. Proof of her influence? She walked away with the TotalEnergies Player of the Match trophy — a rare honor for a substitute, and one that was thoroughly deserved. On Sunday evening, there was no debate. Desire Oparanozie's view: "She changed the game" Watching from the stands, former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie didn't miss a moment of Okoronkwo's performance — and was full of praise. "For me, she was the woman of the match. When she came on, we went from a disjointed front three to a real collective. She drops deep, she takes on defenders, she creates space for others. She changed the game — and didn't even need to score." The former Guingamp player, well-versed in the centre-forward role, highlighted one key detail: her movement off the ball. "Her runs between the lines were damaging. She pulled two defenders with her, which opened space for Ijamilusi and Ihezuo. You might not see it clearly on TV, but on the pitch, it's obvious." With performances like this, Esther Okoronkwo might soon disrupt the pecking order. And if she keeps starting on the bench, it might simply be because no one knows how to come off it better.
Mint
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Cleveland Browns release Ogbo Okoronkwo after two seasons; sign Andre Szmyt
The Cleveland Browns announced the release of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, bringing a big change to their roster. Okoronkwo will part ways with the team after two seasons. The team has also signed kicker Andre Szmyt to fill the void. This move has sparked discussions among fans. Ogbo Okoronkwo, a 2018 fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, joined the Browns in 2023. He signed a three-year contract for $19 million. Over two seasons, the 30-year-old featured in 30 games, starting five. He registered 52 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His role as a rotational defensive end provided depth to Cleveland's defensive front. Despite his contributions, the Browns decided to release Okoronkwo, who had one year remaining on his deal. Following the announcement, Okoronkwo expressed gratitude to the Browns and its fans with a heartfelt post, 'Love to the Land!' The decision to release Okoronkwo raises questions about the Browns' defensive strategy. With 17 career sacks across six NFL seasons, Okoronkwo brought valuable experience and pass-rushing ability. However, the move could be driven by financial considerations, as cutting him frees up cap space for the 2025 season. Additionally, the Browns may be looking to invest in younger talent or pursue other free agents to improve their defensive lineup, especially after a challenging 2024 campaign. The Cleveland Browns signed kicker Andre Szmyt in a related transaction. Szmyt, a former Lou Groza Award winner at Syracuse is set to add depth to the special teams unit. This move by the side addresses a different area of need after Okoronkwo's exit. 'Szmyt is officially in his first NFL season out of Syracuse. Originally signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Szmyt spent part of the 2024 season on the Browns' practice squad and was a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL,' Cleveland Brown stated in their release. At 30, Okoronkwo will remain a good option for teams seeking a veteran pass rusher. His 7.5 sacks in Cleveland demonstrate his ability to pressure quarterbacks, and his experience could attract interest from contending teams.
