Moro Ojomo, a Nigerian native, achieved a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, February 9, in a final game that was attended live by US President Donald Trump.
Trump was the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl.
Moro Ojomo’s journey is a remarkable story of perseverance and triumph, inspiring athletes worldwide.
From the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, he rose to Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ojomo played a key role in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.
This victory secured the Eagles’ fifth NFL title. It also avenged their Super Bowl LVII loss to the same team.
A Path Forged Through Hardship
Ojomo’s family moved from Lagos to California in 2009. He was seven years old. His father was a pastor, and his mother worked in IT. They later settled in Houston, Texas.
Ojomo attended Katy High School. He was younger than his classmates due to starting his education early in Nigeria, and didn’t play varsity football until his junior year. He lacked a consistent workout routine initially. However, he dedicated himself to weight training and running after his sophomore year.
This dedication earned him All-District honours as a defensive lineman. “Nothing comes in life without hard work. I know that,” Ojomo said in 2018. “That’s why my story is a lot different than a lot of these kids who’ve been good all their years in high school. They’ve been ‘The Guy’ ever since junior high. I know what it’s like to compete for a starting spot. A lot of these kids don’t know that.”
Ojomo played for the University of Texas Longhorns for five years. He amassed 95 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks and declared for the NFL Draft in January 2023.
Ojomo’s draft day was filled with anxiety. He wasn’t drafted until the seventh round. Howie Roseman, the Eagles GM, called him. “We’re gonna take you here, man,” Roseman told him. “We can’t believe you’re here in the seventh round. We know you’re gonna show the world what kind of player you are… and we’re excited to get you.”
As a rookie, Ojomo’s playing time was limited. In 2024, his role expanded, recording his first NFL sack in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“People used to laugh at me in sophomore year when I told ’em I was gonna start,” he said in 2018. “They’re gonna realize it when I do what I plan to do… They’re gonna be like, ‘Wow, we really missed on this one.’” He played in every regular season and playoff game. He recorded 20 tackles.
Growing Nigerian Diaspora Hall of Fame
In the Super Bowl on Sunday, Ojomo’s impact was significant. His two tackles and a crucial tackle for loss helped the Eagles dominate defensively. He also played a vital role in containing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offence.
Ojomo joins other Nigerian NFL players like C.J. Uzomah, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Chris Oladokun, and Charles Omenihu.
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu took to X to pour encomiums on:
“Your journey from Lagos to the NFL exemplifies resilience, determination, and unmatched talent. You’ve made Lagos and Nigeria proud on the global stage” Mr Olu said.
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