Jeremiah Attaochu
{{Short description|Nigerian-born American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Jeremiah Attaochu
| image = Jeremiah Attaochu 2013.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Attaochu during a Georgia Tech game in 2013
| current_team =
| number = 97, 55, 50, 47, 45
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|1|17}}
| birth_place = Ibadan, Nigeria
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lbs = 262
| high_school = Archbishop Carroll
(Washington, D.C.)
| college = Georgia Tech (2010–2013)
| draftyear = 2014
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 50
| pastteams =
- San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2018}})*
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2018}})
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2022}})
- Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2022}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Third-team All-American (2013)
- Second-team All-ACC (2013)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 148
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 20.5
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 4
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 1
| pfr = A/AttaJe00
}}
Jeremiah Ojimaojo Attaochu {{Audio|Yo-Jeremiah_Ojimaojo_Attaochu.ogg|listen|help=no}} (born January 17, 1993) is a Nigerian-born former professional American football linebacker. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech. He was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens.
Early life
Attaochu moved with his family to the United States at the age of eight in 2001,{{Cite web |last=O’Halloran |first=Ryan |date=2020-09-20 |title=Jeremiah Attaochu’s American Dream: From immigrant to NFL veteran |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/20/jeremiah-attaochu-broncos-immigrant-nfl-veteran/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}} where he attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. He had intended to continue playing soccer but instead decided to try football for Archbishop Carroll as recommended by the school's freshman football coach. He had 118 tackles and 14 sacks as a senior, while recording four touchdowns by blocking kicks or returning fumbles. He played three seasons of varsity football as a linebacker and defensive end, and served two years as team captain.
Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he accepted a scholarship from Georgia Tech over offers from Illinois, Kansas State and Syracuse.[https://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Jeremiah-Attaochu-81648 Jeremiah Attaochu - Yahoo Sports][http://georgiatech.scout.com/2/940431.html Attaochu To Georgia Tech] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110133702/http://georgiatech.scout.com/2/940431.html |date=January 10, 2014 }}
College career
As a freshman, Attaochu played in all 12 games and started in the Independence Bowl. He finished the year with 23 tackles (18 solo tackles), 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and one quarterback hurry. In 2011, he played in 11 games and started 10 times, missing two games due to an injury. He led the team in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (6.0) and finished third in total tackles with 59, intercepted one pass, while breaking up two others and recovering a fumble, earning a conference honorable mention selection. In 2012, he played and started in 13 games. He registered 69 tackles, including 44 solo tackles, had 12 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had two sacks in the ACC Championship Game vs. Florida State. In 2013, as a senior, he played and started in all 13 games, recording 45 tackles, including 16 for loss, while adding 12.5 sacks, two pass break ups and one forced fumble, while earning himself All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and All-American honors.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-17 |title=Jeremiah Attaochu Named All-American |url=https://ramblinwreck.com/jeremiah-attaochu-named-all-american/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Athletics |language=en-US}}
He finished his career as Georgia Tech's all-time leader in sacks with 31.5, surpassing Greg Gathers' 31 that he set between 1999 and 2002.[http://college-football.si.com/2013/12/27/georgia-tech-jeremiah-attaochu/ Georgia Tech's Jeremiah Attaochu looks to close out his college career with a flourish] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325112923/http://college-football.si.com/2013/12/27/georgia-tech-jeremiah-attaochu/ |date=March 25, 2014 }}{{Cite web |title=Jeremiah Attaochu College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-attaochu-1.html |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 3+1/4
| weight = 252
| dash = 4.58
| ten split = 1.55
| twenty split = 2.65
| shuttle = 4.64
| cone drill = 7.28
| vertical = 37.5
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 3
| bench =
| arm span = 33
| hand span = 9+7/8
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |last=Nawrocki |first=Nolan |title=Jeremiah Attaochu Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jeremiah-attaochu/32004154-5429-0361-f785-1f0faf0b58b4 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}{{cite web | last=Bien | first=Louis | title=Pro day results: Attaochu shines for Georgia Tech | website=SBNation.com | date=2014-03-28 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/3/28/5557934/nfl-pro-day-results-march-28-georgia-tech-jeremiah-attaochu-georgia-state-smu | access-date=2024-12-28}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=104968&DraftYear=2014 |title=Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech, OLB, 2014 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=June 4, 2021}}
}}
Attaochu sat out drills at the 2014 NFL Combine due to a finger injury (medical exclusion). However, he was able to participate fully on his pro day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 and a 4.63, had a vertical jump of 37.5 inches, a 3-cone of 7.28, and a short shuttle of 4.64. His 10-yard split was 1.55.{{Cite web |last=Bien |first=Louis |date=2014-03-28 |title=Pro day results: Attaochu shines for Georgia Tech |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/3/28/5557934/nfl-pro-day-results-march-28-georgia-tech-jeremiah-attaochu-georgia-state-smu |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}
=San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (first stint)=
Attaochu was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=James |date=2014-05-09 |title=Attaochu to Chargers at No. 50 |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/5/9/5654414/nfl-draft-results-2014-jeremiah-attaochu-chargers |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}} In the 2014 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Attaochu made an impressive debut, recording one strip sack that forced a fumble and one blocked punt. The two plays helped set up 10 points for San Diego in an 18–17 loss.{{cite news |last=Gehlken |first=Michael |title=Chargers' Jerry Attaochu finds Comfort |date=September 11, 2014 |newspaper=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912185305/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/ |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 31, 2014 }}
In 2016, Attaochu missed three games with a sprained ankle suffered in Week 6 and then suffering a broken foot in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2016.{{cite web|title=Chargers Sign Ryan Carrethers; Place Jerry Attaochu on Reserve|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2016/12/03/chargers-sign-ryan-carrethers-place-jerry-attaochu-reserve|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428162400/http://www.chargers.com/news/2016/12/03/chargers-sign-ryan-carrethers-place-jerry-attaochu-reserve|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 28, 2017|author=Henne, Ricky|website=Chargers.com|date=December 3, 2016}} He finished 2016 with eight tackles, two sacks, nine pressures and seven quarterback hits over eight games.
=San Francisco 49ers=
On March 15, 2018, Attaochu signed with the San Francisco 49ers.{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Sign-DL-Jeremiah-Attaochu/7b1a4fbd-990c-43d6-86fb-0089e9d72c98|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319083744/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Sign-DL-Jeremiah-Attaochu/7b1a4fbd-990c-43d6-86fb-0089e9d72c98|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 19, 2018|title=49ers Sign DL Jeremiah Attaochu|work=49ers.com|date=March 15, 2018}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318141933/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Sign-DL-Jeremiah-Attaochu/7b1a4fbd-990c-43d6-86fb-0089e9d72c98 |date=March 18, 2018 }} He was released on September 1, 2018.{{cite web|title=49ers Cut 21 Players, Get Roster Down to 53|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-cut-21-players-get-roster-down-to-53|website=49ers.com|date=September 1, 2018}}
=New York Jets=
On September 3, 2018, Attaochu signed with the New York Jets.{{cite web|title=Jets Sign Edge Attaochu, Place RB McGuire on Reserve/Injured|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-edge-attaochu-place-rb-mcguire-on-reserve-injured|author=Allen, Eric|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=September 3, 2018}} He played in 11 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2018.{{cite web|title=Jets Place Brandon Shell, Jeremiah Attaochu on Injured Reserve|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-place-brandon-shell-jeremiah-attaochu-on-injured-reserve|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=December 19, 2018}}
=Kansas City Chiefs=
On April 8, 2019, Attaochu signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.{{cite web|title=Chiefs sign Jeremiah Attaochu|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/08/chiefs-sign-jeremiah-attaochu/|author=Alper, Josh|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=April 8, 2019}} He was released by the team on September 1, 2019.{{cite web|title=Chiefs Announce Practice Squad Players and Other Roster Moves|url=https://www.chiefs.com/news/chiefs-announce-practice-squad-players-and-other-roster-moves|author=Chiefs Public Relations|work=Chiefs.com|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs|date=September 1, 2019}}
=Denver Broncos=
On October 1, 2019, Attaochu was signed by the Denver Broncos.{{cite web|title=Broncos sign Jeremiah Attaochu and Calvin Anderson, place Bradley Chubb on injured reserve, waive Keishawn Bierria|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-jeremiah-attaochu-and-calvin-anderson-place-bradley-chubb-on-injure|author=Swanson, Ben|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=October 1, 2019}}
In week 14 against the Houston Texans, Attaochu sacked Deshaun Watson twice and recovered a fumble lost by wide receiver Keke Coutee and gave the ball to teammate Kareem Jackson who returned the fumble for a 70 yard touchdown during the 38–24 win.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Lock throws 3 TDs in first half as Broncos beat Texans 38-24 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127920 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}
On March 30, 2020, the Broncos re-signed Attaochu to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.{{cite web|title=Broncos re-sign OLB Jeremiah Attaochu|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-re-sign-olb-jeremiah-attaochu|author=DiLalla, Aric|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=March 30, 2020}}
=Chicago Bears=
Attaochu signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears on March 23, 2021.{{cite news |author=Mayer, Larry |title=Roster Move: Bears sign free agent LB Attaochu |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-sign-free-agent-lb-attaochu |website=ChicagoBears.com |date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2021}} He suffered a torn pec in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 13, 2021.{{cite web|title=Roster Moves: Ifedi put on IR, Nall activated|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-ifedi-put-on-ir-nall-activated-ledarius-mack|author=Mayer, Larry|website=ChicagoBears.com|date=October 13, 2021|access-date=October 16, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016031041/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-ifedi-put-on-ir-nall-activated-ledarius-mack|url-status=dead}} He was released on June 13, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-sign-pennel-release-attaochu|work=ChicagoBears.com|title=Roster Moves: Bears sign Pennel, release Attaochu|date=June 13, 2022|accessdate=June 15, 2022|first=Larry|last=Mayer}}
=Baltimore Ravens=
On September 27, 2022, Attaochu was signed to the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens.{{cite web|title=Ravens Add Veteran Outside Linebacker and Guard to Practice Squad|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-sign-jeremiah-attaochu-practice-squad|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=September 27, 2022}} He was released on October 18, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Weigel |first=Brandon |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Ravens reportedly sign WR DeSean Jackson, make series of practice squad moves |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/baltimore/news/ravens-reportedly-sign-wr-desean-jackson-make-series-of-practice-squad-moves/ |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=CBS News}}
=Los Angeles Chargers (second stint)=
On October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Attaochu to their active roster.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign Jeremiah Attaochu; Place J.C. Jackson on Injured Reserve|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-sign-jeremiah-attaochu-place-jc-jackson-on-injured-reserve|website=Chargers.com|date=October 26, 2022|access-date=October 30, 2022|archive-date=October 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027143906/https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-sign-jeremiah-attaochu-place-jc-jackson-on-injured-reserve|url-status=dead}} He was released on November 26 and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Running Back Joshua Kelley |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-activate-joshua-kelley |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=Chargers.com}} His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 14, 2023.
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| Bold
| Career high |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="5"| Tackles !colspan="5"| Interceptions !colspan="4"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| 2014 | SDG
| 11 || 0 || 10 || 8 || 2 || 2.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | SDG
| 15 || 12 || 55 || 44 || 11 || 6.0 || 15 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2016 | SDG
| 8 || 1 || 11 || 10 || 1 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2017 | LAC
| 4 || 0 || 7 || 6 || 1 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2018 | NYJ
| 11 || 0 || 9 || 7 || 2 || 2.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | DEN
| 12 || 5 || 21 || 14 || 7 || 3.5 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2020 | DEN
| 13 || 5 || 31 || 24 || 7 || 5.0 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | CHI
| 5 || 0 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | 2022 | BAL
| 1 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| LAC
| 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AttaJe00.htm Career] | 82 | 23 | 148 | 116 | 32 | 20.5 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Twitter}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120805/http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jeremiah_attaochu_710582.html Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets bio]
{{San Diego Chargers 2014 draft navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Attaochu, Jeremiah}}
Category:Nigerian players of American football
Category:Sportspeople from Ibadan
Category:Players of American football from Washington, D.C.
Category:Archbishop Carroll High School (Washington, D.C.) alumni
Category:American football defensive ends
Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football players
Category:San Diego Chargers players
Category:Los Angeles Chargers players
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Kansas City Chiefs players
Category:Denver Broncos players