Since being drafted No. 3 overall by the Lions, the cornerback’s pro journey has been anything but linear. Okudah navigated injuries and other challenges throughout his first five seasons but is thrilled for a fresh start and opportunity to make an impact in the game he’s never stopped loving.
“I think for me, the fun comes from understanding — it’s taking a step back and understanding the blessing that I have to be here,” he said. “Getting older, you see guys that you’ve started the journey with, whether in high school or college or even the NFL that are no longer playing, and they’ve transitioned to other careers or endeavors. So be able to come in here every single day and do this, you know, I have a lot of gratitude.
“That stopped me from ever complaining; like, just come out there and have fun. Go out there and understand that what you’re doing is only a chapter in your life, so you want to be able to enjoy it and create good moments,” Okudah added.
He’s entering his debut Vikings season with 44 career games (31 starts) under his belt. Okudah has recorded 177 total tackles (including two on special teams), seven tackles for loss, 14 passes defensed, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown. He also contributed heavily on special teams last season for the Texans.
But who is Jeff Okudah beyond his stat line, now-Purple helmet and his No. 21 jersey?
Q: When you were coming into the league, the NFL Draft was all virtual that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I remember you made the news for how sharply you were dressed despite having to be at home. Has fashion always been important to you?
A: “I think I just really like the details. I was looking forward to going to the draft. I had met with Thom Browne, and we had this whole draft outfit we were going to do in Las Vegas. But when everything got moved virtually, we had to kind of pivot — and think of something that was going to be going to be kind of fly but, like, not overdo because we’re at the house. I think they did a really great job of styling me there.”
