Derrick Nnadi Bio
Derrick Nnadi (born May 9, 1996) is an American professional football defensive tackle who has become a key contributor along the defensive line in the National Football League. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Nnadi played college football for the Florida State Seminoles before being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his career, he has contributed to three Super Bowl victories and has established himself as a reliable run-stopping defensive tackle known for his consistency and durability.
Early Life and Background
Derrick Nnadi grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he attended Ocean Lakes High School. During his high school years, Nnadi developed into a talented defensive lineman, showcasing the skills that would eventually earn him a collegiate scholarship at the Football Championship Subdivision level. His performance at the high school level demonstrated the physical tools and football intelligence that would serve him well at the next stage of his career.
Coming from Nigerian descent, Nnadi’s heritage has been a source of pride throughout his life and football career. This cultural background has shaped his identity and provided additional motivation throughout his journey from Virginia Beach to the professional ranks. His success story represents the aspirations of many young athletes from the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Path to Professional Football
After a standout high school career at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Nnadi accepted a scholarship to play at Florida State University. He joined the Florida State Seminoles football program in 2014 and spent four seasons developing his craft under the college program’s coaching staff. At Florida State, Nnadi refined his technique as a defensive tackle and established himself as a reliable presence in the middle of the defensive line.
His senior season in 2017 proved to be his most successful collegiate campaign. Nnadi earned Third-team All-ACC honors that year, recognition that placed him among the top defensive tackles in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His performance during his final college season caught the attention of NFL scouts and helped solidify his draft stock as he prepared to make the transition to professional football.
Derrick Nnadi Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2018–2024)
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Derrick Nnadi in the third round with the 75th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Chiefs traded their third and fourth round picks to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the draft capital needed to select Nnadi. On June 15, 2018, the Chiefs signed him to a four-year, $3.74 million contract featuring a signing bonus of $959,400.
During his rookie season, Nnadi began establishing himself as a regular contributor along the Chiefs’ defensive line. His breakthrough moment came in Week 11 of the 2019 season when he recorded his first career interception off quarterback Philip Rivers during a Monday Night Football victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl LIV that season, defeating the San Francisco 49ers to capture the franchise’s first championship in 50 years.
After re-signing with the Chiefs in March 2022, Nnadi continued his role as a steady presence on the defensive line. He won his second Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. He re-signed again in March 2023 and secured his third championship ring when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers. Following the 2023 season, Nnadi signed another contract with the Chiefs in March 2024 but began that season on the Physically Unable to Perform list before being activated in August.
New York Jets (2025)
On March 16, 2025, Nnadi signed with the New York Jets, embarking on a new chapter in his career after seven seasons with the Chiefs organization. This move represented his first significant change in professional scenery since entering the NFL in 2018.
Return to Kansas City Chiefs (2025–Present)
On August 25, 2025, Nnadi was traded back to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional 2027 sixth-round draft pick. The trade reunited him with the organization where he spent his first seven professional seasons and helped him capture three Super Bowl championships.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nnadi has built his NFL reputation as a stout run-defending defensive tackle. His combination of size, strength, and leverage allows him to occupy blockers and hold the point of attack against opposing offensive lines. While not primarily known for pass-rush statistics, Nnadi’s ability to collapse pockets from the interior and disrupt passing lanes has made him a valuable component of multiple defensive schemes throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his on-field contributions, Nnadi has become recognized for his charitable initiative during the 2019 season. Following each Chiefs victory that year, he paid the adoption fees for dogs at a local Kansas City animal shelter. After winning Super Bowl LIV, he covered the adoption fees for all adoptable dogs at the shelter, a gesture that brought attention to his commitment to animal welfare and the Kansas City community.
Derrick Nnadi Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Nnadi has been part of multiple championship teams while compiling solid individual statistics as a defensive tackle.
Super Bowl Championships
Nnadi has won three Super Bowls as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He captured his first championship in Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers. He won his second championship in Super Bowl LVII when the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles and secured his third ring in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers. These three championships represent the pinnacle of team success in professional football.
Other Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Nnadi earned Third-team All-ACC honors during his senior season at Florida State University in 2017. This recognition highlighted his status as one of the top defensive tackles in the conference during his collegiate career.
| Series | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (through 2025) | 249 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Derrick Nnadi Family
Family Background and Heritage
Derk Nnadi’s Nigerian heritage has remained an important part of his identity throughout his football career. He takes pride in his family’s roots in Nigeria, and this cultural connection has been acknowledged in various interviews and community interactions throughout his professional career.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Nnadi has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through his dog adoption initiative in Kansas City. During the Chiefs’ championship season in 2019, he made headlines for paying adoption fees at local shelters following team victories. His Super Bowl celebration included covering adoption fees for all dogs at a Kansas City shelter, showcasing his dedication to the community beyond his athletic achievements.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transitional period for Nnadi. He began the year with the New York Jets after signing with the team in March, representing the first new organization of his professional career. This move to the Jets presented new challenges as he adapted to a different defensive scheme and locker room environment while continuing his role as an interior defensive line presence.
His mid-season return to the Kansas City Chiefs in August 2025 provided a homecoming of sorts for the veteran defensive tackle. Reuniting with the organization where he spent his first seven NFL seasons allowed him to rejoin familiar coaching staff and teammates while contributing to the Chiefs’ defensive line rotation during the stretch run of the season.
Throughout the 2025 season, Nnadi demonstrated the durability and consistency that characterized his career. His ability to transition between organizations while maintaining his performance level exemplified his professionalism and football IQ. The Chiefs’ continued competitiveness in the AFC standings provided Nnadi with another opportunity to contribute to a winning culture during the second half of the season.