Israel Idonije

Israel Idonije OM (born November 17, 1980) is a retired Nigerian-Canadian defensive end in the National Football League and actor. Idonije was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns out of the University of Manitoba. A draft pick of the now defunct Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League, for whom he never played a game, Idonije spent the start of the 2003 season on the Browns' practice squad prior to his release in September. He was subsequently signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad for the final six weeks of the season.[1]

Israel Idonije
refer to caption
Idonije in 2008
No. 71, 77
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1980-11-17) November 17, 1980
Lagos, Nigeria
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:275 lb (125 kg)
Career information
High school:Brandon (MB) Massey
University:Manitoba
CFL Draft:2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 17
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:288
Sacks:29.0
Forced fumbles:8
Fumble recoveries:6
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com

He has also played for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants.

Early years

Idonije was born in Lagos, Nigeria and immigrated with his family to Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, when he was four years old.[2][3] He attended Vincent Massey High School in Brandon and, though he had never played football and was reluctant, coach Kevin Grindey convinced him to play when the school restarted its Canadian football program in 1997, when Idonije was a senior in high school.[4] He went on to play CIS football for the Manitoba Bisons. During this time he worked as a daycare teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba, played in the East-West Shrine Game, and was drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Renegades in the 2003 CFL Draft. At Manitoba from 2000–02, Idonije recorded 16 sacks which stands fourth all-time in Bison history. He helped lead the Bison to the 2001 Vanier Cup where Manitoba was defeated by the Saint Mary's Huskies. In 2002, Idonije was named 2002 Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year. His goal, however, was to play in the National Football League.[5]

Professional career

NFL combine

Idonije was not invited to the NFL Combine, but appeared on his own to distribute tapes of his years at University of Manitoba. Nine NFL team scouts were originally scheduled to attend a subsequent workout in Manitoba, but only one team, (the Cleveland Browns) ended up attending due to the SARS outbreak concerns at the time.

Cleveland Browns

As a rookie in 2003, Idonije was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent, and put on Cleveland's practice squad.[5] He was waived by the Browns midway through the season.

Chicago Bears

Idonije was obtained by the Chicago Bears as a practice squad player late in the 2003 season and made the final roster the following year. Idonije also played gunner on the punt coverage team.[6]

In 2006, Idonije became a restricted free agent and the Buffalo Bills attempted to sign him, but the Bears retained him by matching their offer. During the 2007 NFL season, Idonije had three consecutive games with a blocked field goal or extra point. In 2008, Idonije set career highs in sacks (3.5), tackles (22), and passes defenced (6). In May 2009, signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Bears. On December 30, 2009 Idonije was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury.

In 2010, week 5 at the Carolina Panthers, Idonije recorded 3 sacks.[7]

In 2011, in week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, Idonije scored his first NFL touchdown after a fumble recovery in the end zone after Tarvaris Jackson had the ball stripped by Julius Peppers.

With the drafting of Shea McClellin in 2012, Idonije was moved to defensive tackle. In the second game of the preseason against the Washington Redskins, Idonije recorded 2½ sacks on rookie and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.[8] Idonije would once again record 2½ sacks in week three against the St. Louis Rams.[9] Idonije ended the season with 40 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, and he was later named to the USA Today All-Joe Team.[10]

Detroit Lions

On June 25, 2013, Idonije signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions.[11][12] Idonije recorded 11 tackles and half a sack during the 2013 season.[13]

Chicago Bears (second stint)

On March 18, 2014, Idonije signed a one-year deal to return to the Bears.[13] The Bears released him on June 19, 2014.

New York Giants

Idonije signed with the New York Giants on August 5, 2014.[14] He was released on August 30, 2014.[15]

Outside football

Athlitacomics

Idonije revealed his new comic, The Protectors, at its soft launch during the New York Comic Con in October 2012.[16] He came up with the idea at the Chicago Bears training camp in 2007. The Protectors, set in the future, is based around a group of super athletes who learn they are blessed with super powers[17] that help protect humanity. Idonije brought on writer Ron Marz and artist Bart Sears to complete the project. Idonije will be publishing the comic through the publishing company he founded, Athleta Comics.[18] Athleta Comics is part of Athleta Entertainment.

The Protectors issue #0 made its debut at C2E2 in Chicago, April 26–28, 2013.[19] Issue #1 is scheduled to come out in September 2013.

Idonije also created Sports Heroes' showcasing athletes through comic artistry, and Athlitacomics became an NFLPA licensee. Sports Heroes can be found on the first of its kind consumable NFLPI licensed product.[20]

Idonije launched his DreamKidz Love book series to promote social and emotional awareness for children. His first book "I Love Me (Izzy Cover) was released on Amazon on January 24, 2017.[21]

Prior to the 2018 NFL season, Idonije and Athlitacomics formed a partnership with the Bears to create a "Monsters of the Midway" comic universe to promote the Bears' 2018 schedule.[22]

Ask The Doctor

Idonije along with serial entrepreneur, Prakash Chand founded medical question and answer service Ask The Doctor A portal allowing anyone, anywhere immediate access to a doctor.[23]

Idonije and Ask The Doctor recently announced a scholarship fund for students entering 1st year of an accredited American or Canadian college or university, or exceptional high school graduates or high school drop outs looking to start a digital health company.[24]

iF Charities

Idonije established iF Charities, formerly known as the Israel Idonije Foundation[18] in 2007. It is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It serves communities in Chicago, Winnipeg and West Africa - all the places Idonije has called home. iF Charities offers several core programs, projects, and events.

Blessed Communion

Idonije started Blessed Communion[25] in 2009. Blessed Communion manufactures dual-chambered, pre-filled Communion cups for individuals, churches and other religious organizations.[26]

The Bureau Chicago

Idonije opened up an office, meeting and business event space in the South Loop.[27][28]

Order of Manitoba

Manitoba Lieutenant-Governor Philip S. Lee announced on May 12, 2014 that Idonije is to be inducted into the Order of Manitoba. The ceremony took place at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg on May 21, 2014.[29]

Chicago Red Stars

On March 1, 2021, the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League announced that Idonije had joined the women's soccer team's ownership group.[30][31][32]

References
  1. "Idonije didn't let snub kill his dream". Chicagobears.com. February 18, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  2. "NFL star serves as principal for a day at Winnipeg school". CBC News. March 11, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
  3. "Israel Idonije". Current Players. National Football League. Retrieved March 14, 2009.
  4. Taylor, Scott (October 2007). "Manitoba's Friday Night Without Lights" (PDF). Manitoba Score Magazine. Winnipeg. 1 (1): 25–29.
  5. Mayer, Larry (February 18, 2009). "Idonije didn't let Combine snub stop him from chasing dream". Chicago Bears. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
  6. "The Official Website of the Chicago Bears". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  7. "Bills reach midpoint winless after loss to Bears". CBSsports.com. CBS Interactive. November 7, 2010.
  8. "Idonije leads sack attack in victory". Chicagobears.com. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  9. Mayer, Larry (September 18, 2012). "Bears cruise behind strong defensive effort". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  10. Mayer, Larry (February 13, 2013). "Idonije voted to USA Today's 'All-Joe' team". Chicago Bears. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  11. "Lions sign DL Israel Idonije to one-year deal, per league source". Profootballtalk.com. June 25, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  12. Dickerson, Jeff (June 25, 2013). "Israel Idonije agrees to join Lions". ESPN. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  13. "Bears bring back DL Idonije". The Washington Post. Associated Press. March 18, 2014. Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  14. David Smith, Michael (August 5, 2014). "Giants sign Israel Idonije". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  15. Florio, Mike (August 30, 2014). "Idonije out in New York". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  16. "NYCC: Football Star Israel Idonije Unveils 'Protectors'". USA Today. October 12, 2010. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  17. "DE Idonije Turns Athletes into Superheroes". ESPN Playbook. January 25, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  18. "Israel Idonije Profile". InLeague. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  19. "Comics Buff Israel Idonije Unveils his Superhero Tale at C2E2". Red Eye Chicago. April 25, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  20. "NFL Players Inc. - Quarterback Gummies". nflpa.com. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  21. Afro, Neo (November 21, 2017). I Love Me: Izzy Cover (I Love Series) Paperback – January 24, 2017. ATHLiTACOMiCS. ISBN 978-0990591177.
  22. "Bears form 'Monster' partnership with Idonije". Chicago Bears. April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  23. Kirbyson, Geoff (April 28, 2015). "Apr 2015: Manitoba NFLer Idonije calls it a career". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  24. "Scholarships | Ask The Doctor". www.askthedoctor.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017.
  25. "NFL's Israel Idonije Breaks Bread - and Ground - with Blessed Communion". Black Enterprise. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  26. "Israel Idonije's Hard Hitting Faith". The Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  27. "Sloopin - A South Loop Blog: Israel Idonije to Host Open House for His New Coworking Venture, The Bureau at 1420 S. Michigan Ave". sloopin.com. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  28. The Loni Swain Show: The Bureau Chicago, retrieved September 3, 2015
  29. "Order of Manitoba to welcome 14 new members". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  30. "Chicago Red Stars Introduce Groundbreaking New Ownership Group" (Press release). Chicago Red Stars. March 1, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  31. "Why I Believe" (Press release). Chicago Red Stars. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  32. Mikula, Jeremy (March 1, 2021). "Chicago Red Stars have an expanded ownership group — including Israel Idonije and Kendall Coyne Schofield — as they look to increase revenue and drive growth with new investors". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
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