Adewale Ogunleye

Adewale Ogunleye (/ˌɑːdeɪˈwɑːleɪ oʊɡuːnˈleɪjeɪ/; born August 9, 1977) is a former American football defensive end who played eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Indiana.

Early years

Ogunleye is of Nigerian background, and his grandfather was the Yoruba king of the city-state of Emure in Ekiti State. Ogun in his surname means "The god of iron." His father is a social worker employed by the City of New York.

Ogunleye played high school football at Tottenville High School in his hometown of Staten Island, New York City, New York. He was a classmate of Major League baseball All Star starting pitcher Jason Marquis and a teammate of three-time Super Bowl winning offensive guard Joe Andruzzi.

College career

Ogunleye played college football at Indiana University, where he was a four-year starter. He was also a three time ALL-BIG TEN selection. In 1999, he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Degree from Indiana University. Athletically, Adewale went on to become a 4-year starter at defensive end as well as a team captain. From 1996-1999, Adewale recorded 34.5 sacks and 64 tackles for a loss. Both are all-time Indiana football records. His sacks and TFL’s rank him sixth and seventh, respectively, in the Big Ten Conference’s all time record books. In 1999, he was also named to the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. As one of the nation's top defensive players, Ogunleye was recognized as a preseason All-America by numerous publications including Playboy Magazine. Mel Kiper Jr., a well-respected draft guru, rated Ogunleye as the number 1 NFL draft prospect heading into his senior year at Indiana. Mid-way through his senior season, Ogunleye suffered multiple tears in the ligaments of his left knee, ending his college career.