Thomas Odukoya

Thomas Ayodele Odukoya Bio

Thomas Ayodele Odukoya is a Dutch professional American football tight end who currently plays for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Born on May 5, 1997, in Amsterdam, Odukoya began his athletic career in association football before transitioning to American football at age 16. After an impressive college career at Eastern Michigan University, he entered the 2022 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent and joined the Tennessee Titans through the International Player Pathway Program. Odukoya made NFL history by becoming the first Dutch-born player on an NFL roster in 24 years when he earned a spot on the Titans’ 53-man roster in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Odukoya was born on May 5, 1997, in Amsterdam and raised in Almere, Netherlands. He was born to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, which gave him a multicultural background that would later influence his athletic journey. Growing up in the Netherlands, Odukoya initially pursued association football, playing the sport that dominates European culture. However, he left soccer before starting high school and was not actively involved in any sport during his early teenage years.

At age 16, Odukoya was brought to a practice of the Flevo Phantoms American football team, and he later described the experience as falling immediately in love with the sport. He was drawn to what he called the “sheer violence of the game and just the physicality of it,” qualities that would define his playing style throughout his career. This discovery marked a pivotal turning point that set him on the path to professional football.

Path to American Football

Odukoya played three seasons in two years for the Flevo Phantoms, a nine-man football team in the Netherlands. He primarily played defensive end and offensive lineman during his time with the team. His athletic ability quickly became evident as he recorded an impressive 22 sacks in one season. His dominant performances earned him recognition as the Dutch national most valuable player, and he was selected to represent the Netherlands on the national American football team.

Determined to pursue football at the highest levels, Odukoya began looking for opportunities to play college football in the United States. He created a YouTube highlight video of his performances and joined Facebook groups devoted to helping foreign players earn athletic scholarships. Recognizing that he needed to start at the junior college level due to not having taken the SAT or ACT standardized tests, Odukoya enrolled at West Hills College Coalinga in California for the 2016 season, where he transitioned to the tight end position.

Thomas Ayodele Odukoya Career

College Career (2016–2021)

At West Hills College Coalinga, Odukoya quickly established himself as a talented tight end, recording 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns during his freshman season. His performance earned him all-conference honors, validating his decision to pursue football in the United States. The experience at this California junior college provided him with the foundation and exposure needed to continue his football journey at a higher level.

Odukoya transferred to Garden City Community College in Kansas for the 2017 season, but his progress was interrupted when he broke his foot in the second game of the season. The injury forced him to redshirt the entire year, a setback that required patience and rehabilitation before he could return to the field.

Eastern Michigan University (2018–2021)

After recovering from his injury, Odukoya joined the Eastern Michigan Eagles football program in 2018 as a transfer student. He primarily served as a blocker during his collegiate career, a role that showcased his physicality and football intelligence. He played eight games in his first season with the Eagles before appearing in 13 games in 2019 and six games in the shortened 2020 season.

His senior season in 2021 proved to be his most successful. Odukoya was named team captain, demonstrating his leadership qualities and commitment to his program. He posted 13 catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns and was selected third-team All-MAC (Mid-American Conference). He finished his Eastern Michigan career with 40 games played and 21 catches for 194 yards and four touchdowns. Following his final college season, he was invited to play in the Hula Bowl all-star game.

Professional Career

Tennessee Titans (2022–2025)

After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Odukoya joined the Tennessee Titans as part of the International Player Pathway Program, which aims to develop and provide opportunities for international players in the NFL. The program offered him a pathway to continue his professional football aspirations despite not being drafted.

On January 10, 2023, Odukoya signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans, securing his place on the team for the following season. During the 2023 offseason, he received praise from head coach Mike Vrabel, who stated that the organization had “lucked out” in finding him, highlighting the coaches’ confidence in his abilities.

On August 29, 2023, Odukoya was waived during final roster cuts before the start of the regular season. He was signed to the practice squad the following day, maintaining his connection to the organization. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Titans signed him to another reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.

Making the 53-Man Roster and NFL Debut (2024)

In the Titans’ 2024 preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, Odukoya made a memorable play when he made a touchdown-saving tackle on Saints returner Samson Nacua. The effort was notable as he appeared to run more than 150 yards in total distance to make the play, demonstrating his dedication and stamina. Following this standout performance, the Titans announced on August 27, 2024, that Odukoya had made the team’s 53-man roster for the 2024 season.

This achievement made Odukoya the first Dutch-born NFL player in 24 years, a significant milestone for American football development in the Netherlands. He made his NFL regular-season debut in Week 7 when the Titans faced the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, playing extensively on special teams. Throughout the season, he continued to contribute on special teams and occasional offensive snaps, earning promotions from the practice squad as a standard gameday elevation for games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals.

On January 6, 2025, Odukoya signed another reserve/future contract with the Titans, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development. However, on August 26, 2025, he was waived by the Titans as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 11 but was waived three days later.

New England Patriots (2025–Present)

On October 16, 2025, Odukoya signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, joining a new organization and continuing his NFL journey. The move provided him with an opportunity to contribute to another franchise while continuing to develop his skills at the professional level. Odukoya’s ability to transition between organizations demonstrates his resilience and value as a player who can contribute on special teams and provide depth at the tight end position.

Playing Style and Strengths

Odukoya’s playing style is characterized by his exceptional size at 6 feet 6 inches and 253 pounds, which makes him a formidable presence at the tight end position. His background as a defensive end and offensive lineman during his time in the Netherlands provided him with a physical approach to the game that translates well to blocking assignments. His experience as a team captain at Eastern Michigan demonstrated his leadership abilities and football intelligence, qualities that NFL coaches value in players competing for roster spots.

Thomas Ayodele Odukoya Career Highlights

Throughout his football journey from the Netherlands to the NFL, Odukoya has accumulated several notable achievements at both the amateur and professional levels. His career spans youth football in the Netherlands, junior college competition in California, FBS play at Eastern Michigan, and professional action with the Titans and Patriots.

College Achievements

Odukoya’s most significant collegiate achievement came in 2021 when he was named third-team All-MAC while serving as team captain for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Earlier in his career, he earned all-conference honors at West Hills College Coalinga after recording 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. His 22 sacks in one season with the Flevo Phantoms in the Netherlands established him as a dominant player at the youth level, earning him Dutch national MVP honors.

Professional Milestones

His most historic professional achievement came in August 2024 when he became the first Dutch-born player to make an NFL 53-man roster in 24 years. He appeared in multiple games during the 2024 NFL season, contributing primarily on special teams while also seeing action on offense. His touchdown-saving tackle in the 2024 preseason finale showcased his hustle and dedication to making plays regardless of his position on the depth chart.

Family Background

Family Background and Heritage

Odukoya was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. This multicultural heritage has been a part of his identity throughout his life and may have contributed to his athletic development, combining European sports culture with diverse physical attributes. His family background has been publicly documented through various interviews and profiles throughout his football career.

Personal Life

While Odukoya has maintained a professional public profile throughout his football career, detailed information about his personal relationships, including marital status or children, has not been publicly disclosed. He completed his high school education at Helen Parkhurst in the Netherlands before pursuing his football career in the United States. His Instagram presence, active during his college and professional career, provides glimpses into his life as a professional athlete.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Odukoya in the NFL. After beginning the year with the Tennessee Titans organization, he was waived during final roster cuts in late August before being signed to the practice squad. He received a promotion to the active roster in October but was waived three days later, demonstrating the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions.

His signing to the New England Patriots’ practice squad on October 16, 2025, provided a fresh opportunity with a new organization. The Patriots, known for their strong organizational culture and development programs, offered Odukoya the chance to continue refining his skills and positioning himself for future opportunities on an NFL active roster. His ability to secure practice squad spots demonstrates his value as a developmental player with specific special teams capabilities.