Noah Igbinoghene
{{Short description|American football player (born 1999)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Noah Igbinoghene
| image =
| caption = Igbinoghene with the Washington Commanders in 2024
| current_team = Washington Commanders
| number =
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|11|27}}
| birth_place = Trussville, Alabama, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lb = 197
| high_school = Hewitt-Trussville {{nowrap|(Trussville)}}
| college = Auburn (2017–2019)
| draftyear = 2020
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 30
| pastteams =
- Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2020|2022}})
- Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2023}})
- Washington Commanders ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
| statleague = NFL
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 84
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 =
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 =
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 2
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 12
| statlabel6 = Interceptions
| statvalue6 = 1
| statlabel7 = Touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 1
| pfr = IgbiNo00
}}
Noah Igbinoghene ({{IPAc-en|ɪ|g|b|ɛ|'|n|ɔː|g|ɪ|n|iː}} {{respell|igg|beh|NAWG|ih|nee}};{{Cite web |title= Player Name Pronunciations |url=https://media.miamidolphins.com/player-name-pronunciations/ |access-date=September 4, 2020 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}} born November 27, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Igbinoghene has also played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. He is the son of Olympic athletes Festus Igbinoghene and Faith Idehen.
Early life
Igbinoghene was born on November 27, 1999, in Trussville, Alabama.{{Cite web |last=Solms |first=Leonard |date=2023-09-13 |title=Aiyuuuuuk! 49ers wide receiver Africa's star player in NFL week 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/38391069/aiyuuuuuk-49ers-wide-receiver-africa-star-player-nfl-week-1 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He is of Nigerian descent, and lived in Nigeria for part of his life.{{Cite web |last=Habib |first=Hal |date=April 3, 2020 |title=NFL Draft: Auburn's Nigerian Prince could be on Miami Dolphins' radar |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20200403/nfl-draft-auburnrsquos-nigerian-prince-could-be-on-miami-dolphinsrsquo-radar |access-date=April 22, 2020 |website=The Palm Beach Post}} Both of his parents, Festus and Faith, were Olympic athletes in track and field.{{Cite news |last=Wolk |first=Benjamin |date=July 5, 2017 |title=Family's Olympic legacy prepares WR Noah Igbinoghene for 2-sport career at Auburn |newspaper=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}
Igbinoghene attended Hewitt-Trussville High School . He played on the football team at wide receiver. As a senior, he tallied over 1,700 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. He received All-USA Today Alabama and ASWA Class 7A All-state honors.{{Cite web |last=Champlin |first=Drew |date=November 25, 2016 |title=Hewitt-Trussville speedster Noah Igbinoghene commits to Auburn |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2016/11/hewitt-trussville_speedster_no.html |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Josh |date=January 24, 2017 |title=4-star WR Noah Igbinoghene '110 percent committed' to Auburn after official visit |url=https://www.oanow.com/sports/college/auburn/4-star-wr-noah-igbinoghene-110-percent-committed-to-auburn-after-official-visit/article_b0cc47f4-e1ea-11e6-90b4-5b0ecb7a70f1.html |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=OANow.com}}
He was a multiple state champion in track and field, claiming eight Alabama High School Athletic Association titles between the long jump and triple jump.{{Cite web |last=Mull |first=Cory |date=April 23, 2020 |title=The Track Resumes Of First Round NFL Draft Choices |url=https://www.milesplit.com/articles/279214-the-track-resumes-of-first-round-nfl-draft-choices |access-date=April 24, 2020 |website=Milesplit USA |publisher=Flosports}}
College career
Igbinoghene accepted a football scholarship from Auburn University, where he played from 2017 to 2019. As a true freshman, he was a backup wide receiver, playing mostly on special teams. He appeared in 14 games, tallying 6 receptions for 24 yards and 24 kickoff returns for 571 yards (23.8-yard avg.).
As a sophomore, he was converted into a cornerback during the spring.{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Josh |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Kodi Burns' loss of Noah Igbinoghene at wide receiver is Auburn's gain at cornerback |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2018/08/28/auburn-football-washington-noah-igbinoghene-receiver-cornerback/1117095002/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=The Montgomery Advertiser}}{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Josh |date=May 9, 2018 |title=Auburn 'very happy' with Noah Igbinoghene's transition to cornerback |url=https://www.oanow.com/sports/college/auburn/auburn-very-happy-with-noah-igbinoghene-s-transition-to-cornerback/article_25e5621c-5343-11e8-b687-6b64dbf55e8e.html |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=OANow.com}} He became a starter that season, registering 50 tackles and 11 pass breakups.{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Justin |date=June 11, 2019 |title='Sky's the limit': How Noah Igbinoghene went from budding... |url=https://theathletic.com/1019613/2019/06/11/auburn-football-noah-igbinoghene-cornerback-wide-receiver/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=The Athletic}} He made 5 tackles and 2 pass breakups in the season opener against the University of Washington. He had a 96-yard kickoff return for touchdown and forced a fumble against the University of Arkansas. He made 7 tackles against the University of Alabama. He had 5 tackles against Purdue University in the 2018 Music City Bowl.
As a junior, he posted 42 tackles and 7 pass breakups. He made 8 tackles against Texas A&M University. He had 6 tackles against Louisiana State University. He made 5 tackles against the University of Alabama. He set a school bowl record with a 96-yard kickoff return for touchdown in the 2020 Outback Bowl. He declared for the NFL Draft after the season.{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Giana |date=January 3, 2020 |title=Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene declares for NFL Draft |url=https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2020/01/cornerback-noah-igbinoghene-declares-for-nfl-draft.html |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Josh |date=January 3, 2020 |title=Noah Igbinoghene's fast rise at cornerback continues with early entrance into NFL Draft |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2020/01/03/auburn-football-cornerback-noah-igbinoghene-declares-2020-nfl-draft-former-wide-receiver-secondary/2805008001/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=The Montgomery Advertiser}} He finished his career with 92 tackles, one interception and 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns.
He also practiced track and field, competing in the long jump and triple jump. He finished fourth in the triple jump at the War Eagle Invitational in 2018.
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10 3/8
| weight = 198
| dash = 4.48
| ten split = 1.57
| twenty split = 2.63
| shuttle = 4.19
| cone drill = 7.10
| vertical = 40.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 8
| bench = 15
| arm span = 31 3/4
| hand span = 9 3/8
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/noah-igbinoghene/32004947-4214-8318-2536-3aa44c8f7f41 |title=Noah Igbinoghene Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=July 17, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1021779&DraftYear=2020 |title=2020 Draft Scout Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |access-date=January 1, 2023 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=Miami Dolphins=
Igbinoghene was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round (30th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=White |first=R.J. |date=April 23, 2020 |title=2020 NFL Draft grades: Dolphins get an 'A+' for selecting Noah Igbinoghene at No. 30 overall |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-dolphins-get-an-a-for-selecting-noah-igbinoghene-at-no-30-overall/ |access-date=April 23, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com}} The Dolphins previously moved down from one of the first round draft selections they acquired in the trade that sent Kenny Stills and Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans. Entering the league as a 20-year-old rookie made Igbinoghene the youngest player in the NFL, furthermore, his offseason was limited and the preseason games were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second game of the season against the Buffalo Bills, starter Byron Jones left after the opening drive with a groin injury, forcing Igbinoghene to cover Stefon Diggs the rest of the game and allowing 8 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Louis-Jacques |first=Marcel |date=September 22, 2020 |title=Playmaking WRs led by Stefon Diggs have Bills' passing attack flying high |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/310322/playmaking-wrs-led-by-stefon-diggs-have-bills-passing-attack-flying-high |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} He would start the next 2 contests in place of Jones, with mixed results.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins: Rookie cornerback Noah Igbinoghene still confident despite another rough game during loss to Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/10/04/rookie-cornerback-noah-igbinoghene-has-another-rough-day-seattle-seahawks-win-over-miami-dolphins/3616510001/ |date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=The Palm Beach Post}} He appeared in all 16 games with 2 starts, finishing with 10 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 special teams tackles and 4 kickoff returns for 68 yards (17-yard avg.).{{Cite web |title=Noah Igbinoghene 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IgbiNo00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}
In 2021, he struggled on the field, appearing in 7 games with one start, while making 4 defensive tackles and 2 special teams tackles .{{Cite web |title=Noah Igbinoghene 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IgbiNo00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} He was declared inactive in 6 contests. He also missed 2 contests on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. In Week 6, he was named the starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars and had 4 tackles.
In 2022, he appeared in 9 games with 2 starts, collecting 10 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended.{{Cite web |title=Noah Igbinoghene 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IgbiNo00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} He was declared inactive in 8 contests. A rash of injuries at the cornerback position, allowed him the opportunity to play in a stretch of 5 games. In Week 8, he was named the starter and secured a game-sealing interception (first in his career) in the waning seconds of a 16–10 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, to go along with 4 tackles and one pass defensed.{{Cite web |last=Dolney |first=Kevin |date=October 25, 2022 |title=The Splash Zone 10/25/22: Noah Igbinoghene's Big Moment |url=https://www.thephinsider.com/the-splash-zone-miami-dolphins-news/2022/10/25/23420262/the-splash-zone-10-25-22-noah-igbinoghenes-big-moment-miami-dolphins-pittsburgh-steelers |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=The Phinsider |language=en}} He also started in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills and had 2 tackles.
In 2023, the Dolphins declined his contract fifth-year option. He also faced increased competition during the preseason, with the signing of All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, Eli Apple and the selection of rookie second-round draft choice Cam Smith.{{Cite web |last=Louis-Jacques |first=Marcel |date=May 2, 2023 |title=Dolphins decline Austin Jackson, Noah Igbinoghene 5th-year options |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37054637/dolphins-decline-austin-jackson-noah-igbinoghene-5th-year-options |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}
=Dallas Cowboys=
On August 29, 2023, the Dolphins traded Igbinoghene to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for cornerback Kelvin Joseph.{{cite web |last1=Archer |first1=Todd |title=Cowboys land Igbinoghene from Dolphins for Joseph in CB swap |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38285153/cowboys-land-igbinoghene-dolphins-joseph-sources-say |website=ESPN |date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023}} In his Cowboys debut, he scored the Cowboys' first touchdown of the season on a 58-yard blocked field goal return, kickstarting the Cowboys' 40–0 shutout win over the New York Giants.{{Cite web|title=Can't-Miss Play: Cowboys score 58-yard TD after blocking Giants' field goal|url=https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-cowboys-score-58-yard-td-after-blocking-giants-field-goal|work=NFL.com|access-date=September 12, 2023}} He appeared in 5 games as a backup cornerback and played mainly on special teams, only seeing late-game action on defense in a few contests. He was declared inactive in a total of 12 games.
=Washington Commanders=
Igbinoghene signed as a free agent with the Washington Commanders on March 18, 2024.{{Cite web |date=18 March 2024 |title=Commanders sign CB Noah Igbinoghene |url=https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-sign-cb-noah-igbinoghene |access-date=18 March 2024 |website=Commanders.com}} He reunited with head coach Dan Quinn, who was his defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys. After starting cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. suffered an injury in Week 1, requiring surgery, Igbinoghene took over the starting nickelback role in place of Mike Sainristil, who moved from nickelback to cornerback to replace Forbes.{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |date=2024-09-12 |title=Sources: Commanders CB Forbes has torn thumb |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41234810/sources-commanders-emmanuel-forbes-jr-thumb-surgery |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Igbinoghene retained the starting nickelback position after Forbes returned from injury.https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/commanders-waive-2023-first-round-pick-emmanuel-forbes-jr/ar-AA1v31zo
On March 18, 2025, Igbinoghene re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year contract.{{Cite web|title=Commanders re-sign CB Noah Igbinoghene|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/commanders-re-sign-cb-noah-igbinoghene|access-date=March 17, 2025|website=nbcsports.com|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-re-sign-lb-nick-bellore-wr-noah-brown-cb-noah-igbinoghene|work=Commanders.com|title=Commanders re-sign LB Nick Bellore, WR Noah Brown, CB Noah Igbinoghene|date=March 18, 2025|accessdate=March 18, 2025}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{footballstats|espn=4242516|yahoo=32700|nfl=noah-igbinoghene}}
- [https://www.commanders.com/team/players-roster/noah-igbinoghene/ Washington Commanders profile]
- [https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/roster/noah-igbinoghene/12848 Auburn Tigers profile]
{{2020 NFL Draft}}
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{{Dolphins2020DraftPicks}}
{{Washington Commanders roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Igbinoghene, Noah}}
Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:American players of American football of Nigerian descent
Category:Auburn Tigers football players
Category:Dallas Cowboys players
Category:Miami Dolphins players
Category:People from Trussville, Alabama