Brief Introduction of Larry Ogunjobi
Olumide Larry Ogunjobi is a distinguished American football defensive tackle, currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born to Nigerian immigrants, his journey to professional football is a testament to his resilience and determination. Initially more interested in video games and weighing around 350 pounds in high school, his parents’ intervention set him on a transformative path towards a healthy lifestyle and, eventually, a football career. He made history as the first player from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to be drafted into the NFL when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Ogunjobi has been a formidable force on the defensive line for several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, consistently demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport. His story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of personal growth and inspiration.
Larry Ogunjobi Overview
| Full Name | Olumide Larry Ogunjobi |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1994 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Livingston, New Jersey |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Defensive Tackle) |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Larry Ogunjobi Sr. (Father), Mercy Ogunjobi (Mother), Faith Ogunjobi (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million |
Early Life and Education of Larry Ogunjobi
Larry Ogunjobi was born on June 3, 1994, in Livingston, New Jersey, to Yoruba parents, Larry Sr. and Mercy Ogunjobi, who had immigrated to the United States from Nigeria. Growing up as a first-generation Nigerian-American, his upbringing was rooted in the values of hard work and education. In his early teenage years, Ogunjobi was significantly overweight, tipping the scales at approximately 350 pounds, and his primary pastime was playing video games like “Call of Duty” and “Madden”. Concerned for his health, his parents took a decisive step by taking away his Xbox and hiring a fitness coach, Robert Mitchell, to help him lose weight. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his transformation. His coach eventually encouraged him to play football, a sport he was initially reluctant to embrace. He attended Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina, where he began his football journey. Despite a rocky start where he struggled with the physical demands, he persevered and developed into a standout player, earning first-team all-conference honors in his junior and senior years. After high school, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, becoming part of the football program’s inaugural recruiting class. At Charlotte, he pursued a rigorous academic path, double-majoring in computer science and biology, and successfully graduated with a degree in computer science in December 2016.
Larry Ogunjobi’s Career
Larry Ogunjobi’s collegiate football career at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was nothing short of historic. As a foundational player for a new program, he set numerous records, becoming the 49ers’ all-time leader in tackles (217), tackles for loss (49.0), and sacks (13). His exceptional performance on the field earned him first-team All-Conference USA honors in both 2015 and 2016. His impressive college career culminated in an invitation to the prestigious Senior Bowl, making him the first player from Charlotte to receive this honor. This exposure significantly raised his draft stock.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, Larry Ogunjobi made history once again when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round with the 65th overall pick, making him the first-ever player from UNC Charlotte to be drafted into the NFL. He signed a four-year, $3.9 million contract with the Browns. During his four seasons in Cleveland (2017-2020), Ogunjobi developed into a reliable and impactful defensive tackle. In his rookie year, he played in 14 games and recorded 17 solo tackles and a sack. By his second season, he had become a full-time starter, tallying 5.5 sacks in 2018.
After his contract with the Browns expired, Ogunjobi signed a one-year, $6.2 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2021 season. He had a career-high seven sacks and was a key contributor to the Bengals’ defense that helped lead the team to Super Bowl LVI. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a foot injury suffered during the wild-card playoff game. Following his successful stint with the Bengals, Ogunjobi initially agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears in March 2022, but the deal was rescinded after he failed a physical due to his foot injury.
Undeterred, Ogunjobi signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in June 2022. After a solid first season where he started 16 games, the Steelers signed him to a three-year, $28.75 million contract extension in March 2023. He continued to be a consistent presence on the Steelers’ defensive line. In March 2025, Ogunjobi was released by the Steelers and subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Larry Ogunjobi Personal Life & Family
Larry Ogunjobi’s personal life is deeply connected to his family and his Nigerian heritage. His parents, Larry Sr. and Mercy, immigrated to the United States in 1993, a year before he was born. He has a sister named Faith. Ogunjobi has often spoken about the profound influence his parents have had on his life, crediting them for his work ethic and for redirecting his path from an unhealthy lifestyle to a successful athletic career. In a gesture of gratitude, he purchased his parents their dream home in 2023, an event he shared on social media. His birth name, Olumide, translates to “Our savior has come” in the Yoruba language, a name he strives to live up to. He is known to be an avid reader, with “The Alchemist” being one of his favorite books. While he is a public figure, details about his marital status or romantic relationships are not publicly available. His focus remains on his career and his commitment to his family and community.
Awards and Achievements of Larry Ogunjobi
- First-Team All-Conference USA (2015, 2016)
- First player from UNC Charlotte to be invited to the Senior Bowl (2017)
- First player from UNC Charlotte to be drafted into the NFL (2017)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
Larry Ogunjobi Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Larry Ogunjobi’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million. His primary source of income is his salary and contract bonuses from his career in the NFL. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be over $46 million. He has signed several multi-million dollar contracts throughout his career, including a three-year, $28.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and a one-year, $6.69 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2025. His income is also supplemented by endorsements and investments, including a partnership with Nirvana Water Sciences.
Legacy and Influence
Larry Ogunjobi’s legacy extends beyond his on-field statistics. He is a trailblazer for the UNC Charlotte football program, proving that players from smaller, newer programs can achieve significant success in the NFL. His personal story of overcoming obesity and his dedication to fitness is an inspiration to many young athletes. Off the field, Ogunjobi is committed to philanthropy. He founded the “First of Many Foundation” and is actively involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting the American Heart Association to combat childhood obesity and working with “Hello Neighbor,” an organization that assists immigrants and refugees. He has hosted Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and “Christmas with Larry” events for children in need. His nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award highlights his significant positive impact on the community. He is seen by his peers and coaches as a hard-working and resilient player who leads by example.
Interesting Facts about Larry Ogunjobi
- His journey into football began only after his mother took away his Xbox because she was concerned about his weight and sedentary lifestyle.
- He lost over 100 pounds between his sophomore and junior years of high school through dedicated training.
- He double-majored in computer science and biology at UNC Charlotte.
- His first name, Olumide, is of Yoruba origin and means “Our savior has come.”
- He is the first player in the history of the UNC Charlotte football program to be drafted into the NFL.
- Ogunjobi has played for three of the four teams in the AFC North division: the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- He is an avid reader and has cited “The Alchemist” as his favorite book.
Controversies
In March 2025, it was announced that Larry Ogunjobi would be suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Ogunjobi addressed the situation, taking full responsibility and stating it was an unintentional mistake. The Buffalo Bills, who had just signed him, stood by their commitment despite the news breaking during the finalization of the contract.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@olumide) – 160,000+ followers
- Twitter – Not publicly active
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Larry Ogunjobi
Larry Ogunjobi’s career is a compelling narrative of transformation, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement. From a teenager who preferred video games to a dominant force in the NFL, his path has been anything but conventional. He has not only established himself as a talented and reliable defensive tackle but has also embraced his platform to make a positive impact off the field. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Buffalo Bills, his work ethic and veteran presence will be valuable assets. Beyond the gridiron, his philanthropic efforts and inspiring personal story will continue to define his legacy. The Larry Ogunjobi wiki is a story still being written, but its themes of hard work, family, and giving back are already deeply etched.