Ola Adeniyi

Olasunkanmi "Ola" Adeniyi (born September 12, 1997) is a Nigerian gridiron football outside linebacker 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.

Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
refer to caption
Adeniyi with the Tennessee Titans in 2021
Personal information
Born: (1997-09-12) September 12, 1997
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 as of Week 13, 2022
Tackles:49
Quarterback sacks:2.5
Interceptions:0
Pass deflections:1
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:0
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

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

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

Pittsburgh Steelers

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
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)

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

References
  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". www.espn.com. 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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