Chidobe Awuzie

The son of Nigerian immigrants,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/19285401/http-wwwespnfccom-blog-football-africa-80-post-3116887-africans-europe-weekend-review|title=Plenty of African players picked up during the 2017 NFL Draft|first=Francis|last=Okupa|work=ESPN.com|date=May 2, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2018}} Awuzie attended Oak Grove High School in San Jose, California.{{Cite news |last=Geha |first=Joseph |date=February 29, 2024 |title=San Jose-raised NFL player is energizing downtown |url=https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-raised-nfl-football-player-cornerback-chidobe-awuzie-beafro-ent-is-energizing-downtown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416235401/https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-raised-nfl-football-player-cornerback-chidobe-awuzie-beafro-ent-is-energizing-downtown/ |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=San José Spotlight |language=en-US}} He played cornerback as well as wide receiver and was rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and ESPN.com.{{Cite web|url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/11939|title=Rivals.com|website=n.rivals.com|access-date=July 27, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/168367/chidobe-awuzie|title=Football Recruiting - Chidobe Awuzie - Player Profiles - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 27, 2016}}

As a junior, he tallied 23 carries for 249 yards, 3 touchdowns, 13 receptions for 211 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a free safety, he had 58 tackles, one interception returned 80 yards for a touchdown, one fumble recovery and 5 blocked kicks. He received All-League honors.

As a senior, he had 138 carries for 1,285 yards (third on the league), a 9.3-yard average and 14 touchdowns (first on the league), posting six 100-yard and two 200-yard games. He also had 18 receptions for 487 yards (two 100-yard games), 7 touchdowns, one pass completion for 38 yards and 128 total points (first on the league). On defense he played cornerback, making 69 tackles (3 for loss), 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 12 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 4 blocked kicks. He received All-League, PrepStar All-West Region, first-team All-Area and helped his team claim back-to-back BVAL Mount Hamilton Division titles.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_21430040/high-school-football-preview-chidobe-awuzie-carries-heavy|title=High school football preview: Chidobe Awuzie carries heavy workload for Oak Grove|date=August 29, 2012|access-date=July 27, 2016}}

He practiced basketball and track. He had career bests of 21.7 in the 200 metres and 22–1 in the long jump.

He committed to play college football for the University of Colorado Boulder, over offers from other Power 5 schools including Pac-12 opponents Utah and Washington State.

Awuzie gained immediate playing time, appearing in 12 games, with 7 starts (six at the nickel position and one at left cornerback). He recorded 643 snaps on defense (third-most by a freshman in school history), 59 tackles (just the 13th freshman to record 50 or more tackles for a season), 5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, 4 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He had 12 tackles against the University of Arizona.

As a sophomore, he started in the first 9 games, before missing last three with a lacerated kidney he suffered in practice. He tallied 64 tackles (2 for loss), 8 passes defensed (third on the team), 2 interceptions, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry.

As a junior, he appeared in 13 games (12 starts) at a combination between cornerback and the nickel position. He registered 90 tackles (second on the team), 78 solo tackles, 4 sacks (set record for the most by a CU defensive back), 2 interceptions, 10 passes defensed and had a team-high 13 tackles for loss, making it the first time a defensive back ever led in that category dating back to 1969 (when it was first tracked). He was named to the All-Pac-12 football team second-team.{{cite web|title=Pac-12 football all-Conference team announced|url=https://pac-12.com/news/2015/12/1/pac-12-football-all-conference-team-announced.aspx|access-date=July 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024192319/http://pac-12.com/article/2015/12/01/pac-12-football-all-conference-team-announced|archive-date=October 24, 2016}}

Before his senior season, he was named to the Thorpe Award watchlist,{{cite web|url=http://www.cubuffs.com/news/2016/7/11/football-buffs-db-awuzie-named-to-thorpe-award-watch-list.aspx|title=Awuzie named to Thorpe award watch list|last=|first=|date=July 11, 2016|website=CU Buffs website|publisher=|access-date=}} annually given to best defensive back in the nation, as well as the Nagurski Award watchlist, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.{{cite web|url=http://www.ralphiereport.com/colorado-buffaloes-football/2016/7/11/12128622/awuzie-named-to-bronko-nagurski-trophy-watch-list|title=Awuzie named to Nagurski watch list|last=|first=|date=July 11, 2016|website=Ralphie Report|publisher=|access-date=}} He finished with 60 tackles (48 solo), 4 sacks (tying his own single-season record for CU defensive backs), one interception, 12 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles.

He attended the NFL Combine and completed all combine and positional drills. He also participated at Colorado's Pro Day along with Ahkello Witherspoon, Tedric Thompson, Sefo Liufau, and ten other teammates.{{cite web| title=Pro day results: Oklahoma, Colorado, Temple, Kentucky| url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pro-day-results-oklahoma-colorado-temple-kentucky-0ap3000000792032| access-date=November 7, 2017| website=NFL.com| author=Gil Brandt| date=March 9, 2017}} He opted to only perform positional drills and had another attempt at the vertical jump for the 44 scouts and representatives from all 32 NFL teams.{{cite web|url=http://www.cubuffs.com/news/2017/3/8/football-2017-pro-day.aspx| title=Setting Attendance At CU Pro Timing Day| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=cubuffs.com| author=Ryan Megay| date=March 8, 2017}} He had private workouts and pre-draft visits with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Tennessee Titans.{{cite web| url=http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByProspect| title=Walter Football: 2017 NFL Draft Prospect Workouts/Visits| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=Walterfootball.com| archive-date=August 10, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810004953/http://www.walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byprospect| url-status=dead}} NFL draft experts and analysts projected him to be a first or second round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was ranked the fourth best cornerback in the draft by DraftScout.com, the second best nickel back by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, the seventh best cornerback by ESPN, and was ranked the 15th best cornerback by Sports Illustrated.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/2017-nfl-draft-position-rankings| title=2017 NFL Draft Rankings: Top Prospects by Position| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=si.com| author=Chris Burke| date=April 24, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/19180310/ranking-top-100-prospects-available-2017-nfl-draft-espn-nfl-nation-reporter-jeff-legwold| title=Ranking draft's top 100 players| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=ESPN.com| author=Jeff Legwold| date=April 22, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-mayock-s-2017-nfl-draft-position-rankings-3-0-0ap3000000799336| title=Mike Mayock's 2017 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=NFL.com| author=Mike Mayock| author-link=Mike Mayock| date=April 12, 2017}}

{{NFL predraft

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| note = All values from NFL Combine{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/chidobe-awuzie?id=2557840 |title=NFL Draft Profile: Chidobe Awuzie| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=NFL.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=126598&draftyear=2017&genpos=CB| title=Chidobe Awuzie, DS #4 CB, Colorado| access-date=June 1, 2017| website=nfldraftscout.com}}

}}

The Cowboys selected Awuzie in the second round (60th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Awuzie was the 10th cornerback drafted in 2017.{{cite web|title=How Second-Round Pick Chidobe Awuzie Will Fit Into Defensive Plans|url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2017/04/28/how-second-round-pick-chidobe-awuzie-will-fit-defensive-plans|author=Daniels, Kurt|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=April 28, 2017}} His selection is remembered by the intense speech that Drew Pearson gave amidst boos from the Philadelphia Eagles fans in attendance.{{cite news|title=Drew Pearson trolls Philly at 2017 Draft|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nfl-live-nfl-draft-updates-former-cowboys-all-pro-receiver-trolls-1493429465-htmlstory.html|newspaper=LA Times|access-date=April 28, 2017}} He was the first of three cornerbacks the Cowboys drafted in 2017. The Cowboys drafted Jourdan Lewis in the third round (92nd overall) and Marquez White in the sixth round (216th overall).

file:Chidobe Awuzie.JPG in 2017]]

On May 11, 2017, the Dallas Cowboys signed Awuzie to a four–year, $4.28 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.25 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/joey-ivie-21970/| title=Spotrac.com: Chidobe Awuzie contract| access-date=May 15, 2017| website=spotrac.com}}

Throughout training camp, Awuzie competed to be a starting cornerback against Jourdan Lewis, Marquez White, Nolan Carroll, Orlando Scandrick, and Anthony Brown.{{cite web |title=Cowboys' coach: CB Chidobe Awuzie may also play safety in 2017 |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article/dallas-cowboys-coach-rookie-cb-chidobe-awuzie-may-also-play-safety-in-2017-53067746/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=247sports.com |date=June 7, 2017}} He missed most of training camp with a hamstring and ankle injury. Head coach Jason Garrett named him a backup and listed him as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Nolan Carroll, Orlando Scandrick, and Anthony Brown.{{cite web |title=Predicting Cowboys 2017 initial depth chart after final roster cuts |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2017/09/02/dallas-cowboys-2017-depth-chart-53-man-roster-projection-final-cuts/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=cowboyswire.usatoday.com |date=September 2, 2017}}

He made his professional regular season debut in the Cowboys' season-opener against the New York Giants and made four combined tackles during a 19–3 victory. On September 17, 2017, Awuzie earned his first career start after Orlando Scandrick sustained a fractured hand the following week. Unfortunately, Awuzie sustained a hamstring injury during the Cowboys' 42–17 loss at the Denver Broncos.{{cite web |title=UPDATE: Cowboys CBs Nolan Caroll, Chidobe Awuzie out for remainder of Broncos game due to injury |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/09/17/cowboys-two-cbs-chidobe-awuzie-nolan-carroll-leave-injuries-broncos |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=sportsday.dallasnews.com}} Awuzie was inactive for the next two games (Weeks 3–4) due to the injury. He returned during the Cowboys' Week 5 loss against the Green Bay Packers, but further re-injured his hamstring and was subsequently sidelined for the next four games (Week 7–10).{{cite web |title=Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie ready to return from nagging hamstring injury |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/cowboys-chidobe-awuzie-ready-return-from-nagging-hamstring-injury/goiyfKrJJsbuvovFZcmjNO/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=ajc.com |date=November 8, 2017}} Awuzie supplanted Anthony Brown as a starting cornerback for the last five games due to consistent penalties.{{cite web |title=Report: Cowboys to bench penalty-machine CB Anthony Brown |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/26/dallas-cowboys-anthony-brown-jourdan-lewis-chidobe-awuzie-orlando-scandrick/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=cowboyswire.usatoday.com |date=November 28, 2017}} In Week 15, he collected a season-high five combined tackles and one pass deflection during a 20–17 victory at the Raiders. On December 31, 2017, Awuzie recorded two solo tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception during a 6–0 victory at the Eagles in Week 17. Awuzie intercepted a pass by Eagles' quarterback Nick Foles, that was initially intended for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, during the first quarter.{{cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - December 31st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310phi.htm |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He finished his rookie season in 2017 with 25 combined tackles (14 solo), seven pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble in ten games and six starts.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Chidobe Awuzie (2017)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/chidobeawuzie/2557840/gamelogs| access-date=February 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}

He entered training camp slated as the No. 2 starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Head coach Jason Garrett named Awuzie and Byron Jones the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.{{cite web |title=Cowboys release depth chart for season opener vs. Panthers |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/ContentGallery/Cowboys-depth-chart-vs-Panthers-121451664/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=247sports.com |date=September 5, 2018}} In Week 2, he collected a season-high eight solo tackles during a 20–13 win against the Giants. He was inactive during a Week 6 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury.{{cite web |title=Benched or Injured? Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie sits for two series |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/07/dallas-cowboys-vs-houston-texans-chidobe-awuzie-anthony-brown-jourdan-lewis/ |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=cowboyswire.usatoday.com |date=October 7, 2018}} Awuzie finished with season with 71 combined tackles (57 solo), 11 pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble in 15 games and 14 starts.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Chidobe Awuzie (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/chidobeawuzie/2557840/careerstats |access-date=January 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} He received an overall grade of 65.1 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 65th among all qualifying cornerbacks in 2018.{{cite web |title=Pro Football Focus: Chidobe Awuzie |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/chidobe-awuzie/11815 |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=profootballfocus.com}}

The Cowboys finished first in the NFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 5, 2019, Awuzie started his first career playoff game and made six combined tackles and broke up a pass attempt during a 24–22 win against the Seattle Seahawks during a NFC Wildcard Game.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Chidobe Awuzie (2018) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/chidobeawuzie/2557840/gamelogs?season=2018 |access-date=January 7, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}

In week 4 against the New Orleans Saints, Awuzie made an acrobatic interception off a pass from Teddy Bridgewater in the 12–10 loss.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128102 |title=Saints top Cowboys in 12-10 defensive struggle |date=September 29, 2019 |website=ESPN |access-date=September 29, 2019}}

In Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, Awuzie recorded his first interception of the season off pass thrown by Jared Goff during the 20–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams - September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130ram.htm |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2020, with a hamstring injury.{{cite web|title=Awuzie To IR; Cowboys Add CB, OT Depth|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/awuzie-to-ir-cowboys-add-cb-ot-depth|author=Phillips, Rob|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=September 26, 2020}} He was activated on November 10, 2020.{{cite news |author=Phillips, Rob |title=Chidobe Awuzie Activated From Reserve/Injured |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/chidobe-awuzie-activated-from-reserve-injured |website=DallasCowboys.com |date=November 10, 2020 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 10, 2020,{{cite news |author=Williams, Charean |title=Cowboys place Chidobe Awuzie on COVID-19 reserve list |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/10/cowboys-place-chidobe-awuzie-on-covid-19-reserve-list/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2021}} and activated on December 16.{{cite news |title=Cowboys' Chidobe Awuzie: Returns from COVID list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cowboys-chidobe-awuzie-returns-from-covid-list/ |website=CBSSports.com |date=December 16, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2021}}

On March 19, 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Awuzie to a three–year, $21.75 million contract that includes $7.50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.50 million.{{cite web|title=Bengals Sign Five Free Agents|url=https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-five-free-agents|website=Bengals.com|date=March 19, 2021|access-date=March 20, 2021|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209200632/https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-five-free-agents|url-status=dead}}

File:Terry McLaurin route (51400354814) - Cropped.jpg]]

Awuzie was named a starting cornerback alongside Trae Waynes, and would play in fourteen of seventeen games for the Bengals. In Week 5 against the Packers, he would pick off quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and return it for 42–yards, a career long interception return for Awuzie. He would get another interception on Justin Herbert in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While playing the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, Awuzie would record a career-high 10 solo tackles in one game, and would finished the regular season with two interceptions, fourteen passes defended, and fifty-three combined tackles.

In Super Bowl LVI, Awuzie recorded his first career playoff interception off Rams' quarterback Matthew Stafford at the beginning of the third quarter.{{cite web |title=Rams vs. Bengals - Play-By-Play - February 13, 2022 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/401326638 |website=ESPN |access-date=February 14, 2022}}

While playing in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Awuzie suffered a torn ACL while defending a pass against Browns' receiver Amari Cooper, ending his season.{{cite web|title=Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie out for year; Mike Hilton out Sunday|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34948601/bengals-cb-chidobe-awuzie-year-mike-hilton-sunday|author=Baby, Ben|work=ESPN|date=November 4, 2022}} He played in eight games in 2022, recording five passes defended and 29 tackles.

Fully recovered from his injury, Awuzie was named a starting cornerback for the Bengals with Cam Taylor-Britt. In Week 1 against the Browns, Awuzie recovered a fumble made by running back Jerome Ford. Awuzie would injure his back during a practice session on October 5, 2023, leading to him sitting out the Bengals 34–20 win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Awuzie was diagnosed with a herniated disc, and would play through the injury during the Bengals' Week 6 contest against the Seahawks; Awuzie was pulled from the game in the second quarter after his back locked up while defending a deep pass against Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett.{{Cite web |title=How Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is navigating new challenges on the field in 2023 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2023/10/26/cincinnati-bengals-cb-chidobe-awuzie-injury-update-for-nfl-week-8-san-francisco-49ers-odds/71327555007/ |access-date=November 6, 2023 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US}} Awuzie would be limited on a snap count for the following weeks, before losing the starting cornerback job to rookie DJ Turner.

After an injury to Taylor-Britt during practice, Awuzie returned to the starting lineup ahead of Bengals' Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Taylor-Britt was moved to injured reserve on December 4, 2023, keeping Awuzie in the starting spot.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Bengals put Cam Taylor-Britt on IR, sign AJ McCarron to 53-man roster |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-put-cam-taylor-britt-on-ir-sign-aj-mccarron-to-53-man-roster |access-date=December 12, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}

On March 14, 2024, the Tennessee Titans signed Awuzie to a three–year, $36.00 million contract that includes $22.98 million guaranteed, $19.00 million guaranteed upon signing, and an initial signing bonus of $7.50 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.tenneseetitans.com/news/titans-agree-to-terms-with-cornerback-chidobe-awuzie|title=Titans Agree to Terms with Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie|date=March 14, 2024|access-date=March 15, 2024|first=Jim|last=Wyatt|work=TennesseeTitans.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/four-new-titans-like-the-vibes-in-nashville-ready-to-spark-resurgence|title=Four New Titans Like the Vibes in Nashville, Ready to do Their Part to Spark Resurgence|date=March 14, 2024|access-date=March 15, 2024|first=Jim|last=Wyatt|work=TennesseeTitans.com}}

He was named a starting cornerback to begin the season alongside L'Jarius Sneed. He played the first three games of the season, recording four tackles, but suffered a groin injury early in Week 3's match against the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |title=Chidobe Awuzie 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AwuzCh00/gamelog/2024/ |website=Pro Football Reference}} On September 27, Awuzie was placed on injured reserve.{{Citeweb |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |title=Titans Move CB Chidobe Awuzie to the Team's 'Designated for Return' List |website=TennesseeTitans.com |date=November 27, 2024 |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-move-cb-chidobe-awuzie-to-the-team-s-designated-for-return-list |access-date=December 4, 2024}} After ten weeks, Awuzie was activated on December 7 and returned for Week 14's loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching his first interception with the Titans and making three tackles.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |title=Titans Make a Flurry of Roster Moves Ahead of Sunday's Game vs the Jaguars |website=TennesseeTitans.com |date=Dec 7, 2024 |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-a-flurry-of-roster-moves-ahead-of-sunday-s-game-vs-the-jaguars-x0066 |access-date=Dec 8, 2024}} On March 15, 2025, the Titans released Awuzie.{{cite web|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-release-cornerback-chidobe-awuzie|title=Titans Release Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie|date=March 15, 2025|access-date=March 15, 2025|first=Jim|last=Wyatt}}

On March 25, 2025, the Baltimore Ravens signed Awuzie to a one–year, $1.25 million contract.{{Cite web |title=Ravens Sign Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/chidobe-awuzie-ravens-free-agent-sign-cornerback-2025 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com |language=en-US}}{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Chidobe Awuzie contract| url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/21802/chidobe-awuzie| access-date=April 16, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}}

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Awuzie is a Christian. Awuzie has said, "My faith is everything. A testament to God always and His grace and mercy in my life, I'm a living testimony of that. In everything I do, I treat football like a platform to open eyes to the faith of Christianity and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior."{{cite web |last1=Mercer |first1=Kevin |title=Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie rests in Christ before Super Bowl: 'Whoever has God, lacks nothing' |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2022/02/11/bengals-chidobe-awuzie-god-lacks-nothing/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=February 11, 2022 |access-date=February 12, 2022}}

Awuzie is an avid chess player who commonly plays 1. e4 and plays on Chess.com.{{Cite web |title=Awuzie Looking For Checkmate On The Corner In Move To Bengals |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/awuzie-looking-for-checkmate-on-the-corner-in-move-to-bengals |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=www.bengals.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Why Bengals QB Joe Burrow has kept a chessboard by his locker this season |url=https://africa.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/33682/why-bengals-qb-joe-burrow-has-kept-a-chessboard-by-his-locker-this-season |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He has compared his chess game to his play on the football field as a cornerback, comparing himself to a fianchettoed bishop. He also says chess helps him in his daily life and in making connections with others.{{cite web | last=Dehner Jr. | first=Paul | title=Chidobe Awuzie arrives for Bengals wearing his mission across his chest | website=The Athletic | date=2021-10-13 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2885789/2021/10/13/chidobe-awuzie-arrives-for-bengals-wearing-his-mission-across-his-chest/ | access-date=2024-10-16}} In July 2022, he won Chess.com's BlitzChamps tournament, a rapid tournament for NFL players, beating former Cowboys teammate Amari Cooper in the final.{{Cite web |last=Team (CHESScom) |first=Chess com |title=Announcing BlitzChamps With NFL Stars Fitzgerald, Thibodeaux, Parsons, And More! |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/chesscom-announces-blitzchamps |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=Chess.com |date=June 17, 2022 |language=en-US}} He finished as runner-up the following year to Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill.{{Cite web |last=Jules (Jules) |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Chiefs Drue Tranquill Intercepts BlitzChampsII Victory with a Dramatic Queen Sacrifice |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/2023-blitz-champs-ii-tranquill-wins |access-date=June 24, 2023 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}

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{{footballstats|nfl=chidobe-awuzie|espn=3052101|yahoo=30173}}

• [https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/players-roster/chidobe-awuzie/ Baltimore Ravens bio]
• [http://www.cubuffs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5300 Colorado Buffaloes bio]

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{{Baltimore Ravens roster navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Awuzie, Chidobe}}

Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:American players of American football of Nigerian descent

Category:Players of American football from San Jose, California

Category:American football cornerbacks

Category:Colorado Buffaloes football players

Category:Baltimore Ravens players

Category:Dallas Cowboys players

Category:Cincinnati Bengals players

Category:Christians from California

Category:Oak Grove High School (San Jose, California) alumni

Category:Tennessee Titans players