Okoyeâs Long Journey. Christian Okoye is a Nigerian-American former American footballer who played fullback for the Kansis City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. In 1989 Okoye enjoyed his finest season for the Chiefs rushing for 1480 yards. Okoye and Meltzer cover topics such as playing against each other in college, how Christian discovered the sport of football, not making the Olympics as a track and field ⦠Current free agent Amobi Okoye (no relation to Christian Okoye) has played defensive tackle in the NFL since 2007 for a handful of teams. Bigger than a linebacker, and with the speed of a man 50 pounds lighter, Christian Okoye ⦠Okoye grew up in Enugu, Nigeria but did not learn to play football until he moved to The United States in the mid-80s. He arrived in the US at age 21 and did not play American football until age 23, when he joined the squad at California 's Azusa Pacific University. He excelled in track and field, winning seven college titles in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw. The first time he attended an American football game he thought the game was boring. Okoye later picked up football, and the rest is history. Having played football for a mere three years, Christian was drafted in 1987 by the Chiefs in the second round. He came to Azusa Pacific from Nigeria in the fall of 1982 as an Olympic-hopeful discus thrower, and left in 1987 as an NFL second-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2006, Christian became the President/Founder of the California Sports Hall Of ⦠During the 1993 season, Christian retired to face different challenges in his life, which includes spending time with his 3 children: daughters Tiana and ⦠Originally came to the United States in '82 to compete in track and field at Azusa Pacific ⦠Joined the Azusa football squad in '84 and after just three seasons of organized football was a second-round draft choice of Kansas City in '87 ⦠Wore number 35 ⦠The name Okoye in ⦠Compare yourself against athletes in your district, your state, or the nation. Nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," Okoye was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. After starring for the university in track and field for two years, winning seven national titles in shot put, discus and hammer, Okoye was surprisingly omitted from Nigeriaâs 1984 Olympic team. In 2006, Christian became the President/Founder of the California Sports Hall Of Fame. Winner: Katelynn Ramage (Trinity Western University) TRACK & FIELD RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM Copyright © 2020 DirectAthletics, Inc. However, there are two things that should be acknowledged when talking about Christian Okoye and his amazing career. Born August 16, 1961, Christian Emeka Okoye is a Nigerian- American former American football fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. Christian Okoye Net Worth $2 Million. Seattle Seahawks. At first Okoye concentrated on the discus, shot put and hammer throw. Sport (s) Track & Field, Football. Okoye said teams are interested in him at defensive end. Close. To understand why, consider these two factors: Okoye is now a member of National association of Intercollegiate Athletics Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and on January 24th 2004, Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. Christian Emeka Okoye (/ oÊËkÉɪeɪ / ; born August 16, 1961), is a Nigerian-American former American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. Okoye's six seasons in the NFL saw a league ru He arrived in the US at age 21 and did not play American football until age 23, when he joined the squad at California's Azusa Pacific University. The first time he attended an American football game he thought the game was boring. âThe Barry Sandersâ Showâ â one news network called it, but this kind of performance should come as no surprise to those who are already familiar with his career. vs. Pac-12 Championships - Day 2. May 16 / Final. Generated 2020-02-18 16:33:40 The story is quite familiar to longtime Kansas City Chiefs fans. Christian Emeka Okoye (/ɵËkÉɪjeɪ/; born August 16, 1961), is a Nigerian-American former American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. As a teenager, Okoye followed the path of a friend from Nigeria in track and field. Starting tailback for the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders recently scored three touchdowns in the third game of the NFL season leading his team to victory. Okoye played soccer until he was 17 and was a sprinter and thrower on his high school track team. Close. After coming to America to pursue a career as a track and field athlet... Speaker's Fee Range. Okoyeâs Long Journey. Amobi Okoye, Nigeria. Okoye and Meltzer cover topics such as playing against each other in college, how Christian discovered the sport of football, not making the Olympics as a track and field ⦠While growing up in Nigeria, Okoye became good friends with Olympian Innocent Egbunike. Legends of Sportsball podcast on demand - An educational celebration of useless jock knowledge. âCoach Franson was such a positive influence on me. With Okoye leading the way, the 1,500-student Christian school, 25 miles east of Los Angeles, has won four consecutive NAIA National Track and Field Championships. Speaker Bio. Photo: Chris OâMeara/Associated Press The two-time Pro Bowl player turned to American-style football after not being selected for Nigeriaâs Olympic track and field team. If memory serves, there is an all time Chiefs great who also made the transition from track and field thrower to NFL legend. NEW ORLEANS â The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ... Innocent Egbunike and Christian Okoye. His nickname is âThe Nigerian Nightmareâ. Egbunike is good friends with former Kansas City Chiefs' running back Christian Okoye and met him when they were both training for Nigeria's national track and field team. The year I was born Okoye took home the NFL rushing title for the Chiefs. Christianâs response was, "Very interesting, but an impractical shape." 09 Lisle H.S. Frustrated, Christian abandoned track and field and joined his college football team. It's because of prospects like Okoye, who have overwhelming rèsumès but limited experience, that NFL teams budget roughly $750,000 annually for collegiate scouting. I was working so hard in track to make the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Track & Field Schedule Roster Coaches Results Home Meet Info News History Recruiting Info Additional Links. As a teenager, Okoye followed the path of a friend from Nigeria in track and field. High School and Personal:Born in San Jose, California ⦠parents are Stephen and Sally Ezeji-Okoye ⦠has two older brothers, Elijah and Aidan ⦠father was a hurdler at Harvard and set the still-standing 400-meter hurdles school record of 50.88 seconds ⦠vaulted for the Dragila Vault Club coached by U.S. Olympic gold medalist Stacy Dragila ⦠was 14th as a junior at New Balance Indoor Nationals ⦠He showed me love. When he arrived in the United States on a track & field scholarship at tiny Azusa Pacific College in California in 1982, the Nigerian-born Okoye had never heard of, much less played, the sport of ⦠He has never made it onto a 53 ⦠Okoye was a 17-time NAIA All-American and 7-time NAIA National Champion in ⦠Biography. When I went to the Senior Bowl, he was the one I called for encouragement. Also played basketball in college, in the Sacramento Kings summer league, and the ⦠I t all began in 1987 when Nigerian athlete Christian Okoye was selected as the 35 th. Nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," Okoye was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. It all started with Christian Okoye. Christian Okoye â excelled in track and field at college, winning seven college titles in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw; Terrell Owens â ran track at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. $5,000 - $10,000. In 1984, despite having attained marks more than sufficient to qualify, Christian was omitted from his Countryâs 1984 Olympic team. Former KC Chief Christian Okoye poses with KC fans prior to the NFL Monday Night Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City,... Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images track. A: Shorter track, climate, different events, etc. He helped found, and is a member of, the California Sports Hall of Fame. When he arrived to Azusa Pacific University in 1982, Christian won seven National Titles in shot Put, discus and the hammer and amassed 17 All American honors in track & field and football. It will be the fifth Hall of Fame honor for Franson, who was ⦠Okoye seems too good to be true on the field as well. While at Asuza Pacific, he told coaches about Okoye's ability in the discus and they decided to offer Okoye a scholarship for track and field. In 1989 Okoye enjoyed his finest season for the Chiefs rushing for 1480 yards. This year a Nigerian American football star will be 58 already (on August 16th). He has led the Cougars to the NAIA track and field title the last four years ⦠Christian Malcolm- 200m and 4x100m (age: 33, born: Cardiff, lives: Newport) â Stuart McMillan James Ellington- 200m and 4x100m (age: 26, born: Lewisham, lives: London â John Powell Martyn Rooney- 400m and 4x400m (age: 25, born: Croydon, lives: Loughborough) â Nick Dakin #okoyefoundation 11 Winner: Austin Warner (former Trinity Christian College student-athlete) February 20, 2014 Q: Name at least one difference in Indoor Track & Field and Outdoor Track & FIeld. Click for more; BOYS (V) TRACK and FIELD. Cue the comeback. $5,000 - $10,000. Friday, Apr. Christian Okoye. Okoye became a high-caliber athlete under Coach Dr. Terry Franson. Excelling in the shot put, discus and hammer throw, Okoye joined the schoolâs football team in 1984 â even though he initially thought the game was boring. Arguably the most celebrated athlete in Azusa Pacific history, Christian Okoye has equal justification for his Hall pass either through track & field or football. Barry Switzer said he was the most talented player he ever coached, which means a lot coming from a guy like Switzer, who had the privilege of coaching the Selmons, Bosworth, Sims, Lil Joe Washington, Mildren, etc. player by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the National Football League (NFL) draft.. Okoye, who was born in Enugu, started out as a track and field athlete winning seven college titles in the shotput, discuss, and hammer throw at Azusa Pacific University. Running back Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs A star athlete in Nigeria, Okoye came to the States on a track and field scholarship at Californiaâs tiny Azusa Pacific University. The Kansas City Chiefs possessed a freakish in nature running back by the name of Christian Okoye. Christian Okoye. In 2006, Christian became the President/Founder of the California Sports Hall Of Fame. A member of the Igbo ethnic group, Okoye was born in Enugu, Nigeria. Beyond the players, however, the same level of historical excellence can be handed to the coaching staff. A member of the Igbo Ethnic Group , Okoye was born in Enugu, Nigeria and did not play American football until 1984, when he joined the squad at California's Azusa Pacific University. But never once would Okoye make the field on game day. âThe Nigerian Nightmareâ, or Christian Okoye, was known for his ferocious running throughout his six year NFL career. Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, created Okoye Fitness and Nutrition to help individuals redesign their health, fitness and nutrition.In 1990, The Christian Okoye Foundation was created to help underprivileged children assume their roll in society. Okoye grew up in Enugu, Nigeria but did not learn to play football until he moved to The United States in the mid-80s. Okoye is now a member of NAIA Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. The stadium is home to Cougar track and field. Speaker Bio. The Fan Man, Jun 23, 2011 #8. king56 Green Belt. Iâm going to answer this without any real knowledge of Christian Okoyeâs personal choices or desires when it comes to equipment. In 1984, despite having attained marks more than sufficient to qualify, Christian was omitted from his Country's 1984 Olympic team. When he arrived at Azusa Pacific in 1982, he ⦠Okoyeâs career was an outstanding achievement considering Okoye played football for only three years before playing for Kansas City. Saturday, Apr. It is no secret that APUâs track and field program has been engrained through special names such as Christian Okoye, Bryan Clay, Innocent Egbunike and others. Nyongesa Sande Am a Kenyan Based Philanthropist, Politician, Senior blogger, Digital Communications expert, YouTuber, Pan Africanist, columnist, Human Rights Activist, informer & businessman. Running back Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs A star athlete in Nigeria, Okoye came to the States on a track and field scholarship at Californiaâs tiny Azusa Pacific University. Prior to playing for the Chiefs, he played football at Azusa-Pacific University as well as competing in track and field; where he won seven national titles in shot-put, discus and hammer throw as well as amassing 17 All American honors in track and field. Built in 1986, APU has produced some of the biggest track names in the sport: Bryan Clay, Dave Johnson, Christian Okoye, Innocent Egbunike, Fatimat Yusuf, Stephanie McCann, and Vivian Chukwuemeka. Christian Okoye was a former track and field star and walk on at Azusa Pacific. Noting his rare combination of size and speed, friends convinced Okoye to audition for the universityâs football team. Any discussion about Africans dominating in the NFL is incomplete without a mention of Christian Okoye. Okoye has been recognized for his athletic talents by being inducted into the APU Athletics, Chiefs, NAIA Track and Field, Senior Bowl and Missouri Halls of Fame. Okoye retired as the Chiefs all-time leading rusher in only six seasons with 4,897 yards and 40 touchdowns, which has since been surpassed by Priest Holmes ( NFL ). Egbunike and Okoye combined for 12 individual titles in the span of five years. âThe Nigerian Nightmareâ, or Christian Okoye, was known for his ferocious running throughout his six year NFL career. Christian didnât start playing football until he was 23 years old and in college, when he was a track and field athlete at Azusa Pacific University in California. Rankings for middle school, high school, and college athletes. Thank you to Cres Gonzalez and the University of La Verne Head Track and Field Coach, Kevin Reid for bringing the team to volunteer at the 12th Ontario 5k and 10k. When I went to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, we kept in contact. At his size, defensive end, defensive tackle or offensive tackle would fit the track and field athlete best. References Okoye grew up in Enugu, Nigeria and moved to the USA when he was offered a scholarship at the Azusa Pacific University from the track and field coaches. Recap Story recap for Track & Field vs Pac-12 Championships - Day 2 on May 15, 2021 at All Day. I t all began in 1987 when Nigerian athlete Christian Okoye was selected as the 35 th. He made an immediate impact, helping lead the Cougars to four straight NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships from 1983 to 1986, winning seven combined ⦠Okoye had never played football before and had even referred to the game as boring. After coming to America to pursue a career as a track and field athlet... Speaker's Fee Range. Okoye married his college sweetheart Lauren Brown in 1990, and divorced in 1996. TMen. Delaney Ezeji-Okoye Track & Field Bio Hidden in search results Claim this ... Monte Vista Christian HS 10th Grade. BOYS (V) TRACK and FIELD. Nicknamed the "Nigerian Nightmare", he is known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. The stadium hosts the Bryan Clay Invitational each year Egbunike is good friends with former Kansas City Chiefs' running back Christian Okoye and met him when they were both training for Nigeria's national track and field team. While at Asuza Pacific, he told coaches about Okoye's ability in the discus and they decided to offer Okoye a scholarship for track and field. player by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the National Football League (NFL) draft.. Okoye, who was born in Enugu, started out as a track and field athlete winning seven college titles in the shotput, discuss, and hammer throw at Azusa Pacific University. Christian made a huge impression on the field and in less than three years he was signed for the Kansas City Chiefs as the 35th player. Christian Emeka Okoye (/oÊËkÉɪeɪ/; born August 16, 1961), is a Nigerian-American former American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. Retired Running Back for the Kansas City Chiefs. âThe Nigerian Nightmareâ, as ⦠5d Tory Barron. Recap Story recap for Track & Field vs Pac-12 Championships - Day 3 on May 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM PT. For example, Christian Okoye was a track and field star that was reluctantly recruited to play football after he missed out on the Olympic hammer throw. When he arrived in the United States on a track & field scholarship at tiny Azusa Pacific College in California in 1982, the Nigerian-born Okoye had never heard of, much less played, the sport of ⦠Christian Okoye NFL career was successful, and today the football star has a rest from football with his decent net worth estimated at ⦠Personal: Born Sept. 14, 1988...Son of Ify and Christian Okoye. | Stephen Dunn/Getty Images. Retired Running Back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Saturday, Apr. Hammer throw-1, Christian Okoye, Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 206 feet, 7 inches. In track and field, Bill Sr. blazed the 100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds and ran a 21.4 in the 220 dash to win District 3 titles. Christian received the Courage Award in Baltimore, which was named after Ed Block. Okoye is now a member of NAIA Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. "Christian is one of the best big athletes in the world," says Dr. Terry Franson, who has coached the Azusa Pacific track team to four straight NAIA championships. Six years after he first touched a football, as a sophomore at Azusa Pacific, an NAIA school where he had enrolled with a partial scholarship as a track and field athlete, Okoye has become the most dangerous runner in the NFL. 2, Phil Man, Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 200-2. Christian didn`t play football until he was 23 years old, and in college; he attended the Azusa Pacific University in California, where he also competed in track and field. At 56, Okoye is a busy man, living in Rancho Cucamonga and focused on the work of his Christian Okoye Foundation (in its 27th year) and the California Sports Hall of Fame, which he founded. Christian Okoye Running back Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball. The Kansas City Chiefs possessed a freakish in nature running back by the name of Christian Okoye. CHRISTIAN OKOYE, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, in 1990, founded The Christian Okoye Foundation to help underprivileged children. Christian Okoye running the ball against the Miami Dolphins in 1991. Megameet 10:00 AM Away. 2, Phil Man, Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 200-2. The coach was surprised. Click for more; BOYS (V) TRACK and FIELD. The âNigerian Nightmareâ arrived at Azusa Pacific University in California in 1983 on a track and field scholarship. AZUSA, Calif.-- Former Azusa Pacific University track and field head coach Terry Franson, who now serves as the university's Senior Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, has been selected for induction in the 2016 class of the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame. Coach threw him a ball. The one and only Nigerian Nightmare, Christian Okoye. May 26 / Final. Contact me on +254791890826 or Email Me at info@nyongesasande.com Hammer throw-1, Christian Okoye, Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 206 feet, 7 inches. Christian Okoye, Azusa Pacific Before he came to be known as the âNigerian Nightmareâ on the football field, Christian Okoye was an incredibly gifted thrower at Azusa Pacific. By Jay Rogers Published December 22, 2007. The bulk of his career was with the Houston Texans, but he has also played for the Bears and Buccaneers. No one would have expected on that deflating night at the London 2012 Games, that seven years later Okoye would once again make a track and field athletics entry list. Nicknamed the " Nigerian Nightmare ", he is known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. Excelling in the shot put, discus and hammer throw, Okoye joined the schoolâs football team in 1984 â even though he initially thought the game was boring. 15 St Francis Invite 4:30 PM Away. He excelled in track and field, winning seven college titles in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw. After failing to make the Nigerian Olympic track and field team, Okoye turned his sights to playing football at the college level. An interview with Barry Sanders. At 56, Okoye is a busy man, living in Rancho Cucamonga and focused on the work of his Christian Okoye Foundation (in its 27th year) and the California Sports Hall of Fame, which he founded. Okoye is now a member of NAIA Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. The menâs track and field program at Azusa Pacific University wasnât exactly struggling before Nigerians Innocent Egbunike and Christian Okoye came ⦠Track & Field Schedule Roster Coaches Results Home Meet Info News History Recruiting Info Additional Links. 12 greatest foreign-born NFL stars of all-time | Yardbarker Then the head track and field coach, Franson recruited Okoye for his team. Delaney Ezeji-Okoye - ID Track & Field results and photos on Athletic.net. Five years later he's the MVP of the AFC based on his physical prowess. Christian Okoye net worth and personal life. Christian Okoye. Joined: Jan 28, 2007 Messages: 1,081 Okoye is now a member of NAIA Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. 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