Olamide Zaccheaus Bio
Olamide David Zaccheaus is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Born on July 23, 1997, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Zaccheaus has built a steady NFL career since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Throughout his professional journey, he has demonstrated versatility and reliability as a receiver, contributing across multiple teams while showcasing his speed, route-running ability, and special teams value.
Early Life and Background
Zaccheaus was born on July 23, 1997, in Plainfield, New Jersey. At age seven, he moved to Magnolia, New Jersey, in Camden County, where he continued to develop his passion for football. His early years in New Jersey provided the foundation for the skills he would later refine at the high school level.
Zaccheaus attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he played high school football. At St. Joe’s Prep, he began to showcase the speed, agility, and competitive drive that would define his playing style. His performance in high school positioned him as a collegiate prospect capable of competing at major programs.
Path to the NFL
Zaccheaus chose to continue his football career at the University of Virginia, joining the Virginia Cavaliers from 2015 through 2018. Over four seasons, he developed into one of the most productive receivers in the Atlantic Coast Conference, demonstrating consistent improvement each year.
As a junior in 2017, Zaccheaus earned Second-team All-ACC honors after recording 85 receptions for 895 yards and five touchdowns. He elevated his game further as a senior in 2018, leading the entire ACC with 93 receptions for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns. His outstanding senior season earned him First-team All-ACC recognition. He capped his collegiate career by earning MVP honors at the 2018 Belk Bowl, where he made 12 receptions for 100 yards and three touchdowns in his final game as a Cavalier. Zaccheaus finished his college career with 250 receptions for 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns, along with 79 rushing attempts for 551 yards and two touchdowns across 50 games played.
Olamide Zaccheaus Career
Atlanta Falcons (2019–2022)
Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Zaccheaus signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2019. He made the 53-man roster out of training camp, proving his ability to compete at the professional level. He made his NFL debut on October 13, 2019, against the Arizona Cardinals, making a tackle on special teams. In the Falcons’ victory against the Carolina Panthers on December 8, 2019, Zaccheaus recorded his first NFL reception, a remarkable 93-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan. This play ranked as the third-longest reception in Falcons franchise history and set an NFL record for the longest first catch by a player. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in a Week 15 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Zaccheaus finished his rookie season with three receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown on offense, plus two tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown on special teams.
In Week 9 of the 2020 season against the Denver Broncos, Zaccheaus recorded his first 100-yard game with four receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in the 34-27 victory. However, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 1, 2020. He finished that season with 20 receptions for 274 yards and one touchdown in 11 games played. The following year, in Week 8 of the 2021 season against the New Orleans Saints, Zaccheaus had three receptions for 58 yards and a career-high two touchdowns in the 27-25 win. He finished the 2021 season with 31 receptions for 406 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2022, Zaccheaus returned to the Falcons after the team placed a restricted free agent tender on him in March. He played in all 17 games, starting 13 of them, and finished with 40 receptions for 533 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His consistency and reliability as a starting receiver solidified his role in the Falcons’ offense over four seasons.
Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
On April 20, 2023, Zaccheaus signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Joining a team with championship aspirations, he contributed as a complementary receiver in the Eagles’ offensive system. He finished the 2023 season with 10 receptions for 164 receiving yards and two touchdowns, maintaining his track record of production despite a reduced role in a new offense.
Washington Commanders (2024)
On April 1, 2024, Zaccheaus signed with the Washington Commanders. This move reunited him with head coach Dan Quinn, who had coached him during his first two seasons with the Falcons. Zaccheaus demonstrated his ability to deliver in key moments throughout the season. In Week 16 against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded five catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-33 win. The following week against the Atlanta Falcons, he led the Commanders in both receptions and receiving yards with eight catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, continuing his pattern of strong performances against his former clubs.
Chicago Bears (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Zaccheaus signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Joining a team in the midst of rebuilding and development under a new coaching staff, he brought experience and reliability to the receiving corps. In his debut season with the Bears, Zaccheaus played in 16 games with five starts, recording 39 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns. His contributions helped provide depth and veteran leadership for a young Bears offense as they worked to develop their quarterback and skill position players.
Driving Style and Strengths
Zaccheaus plays with exceptional quickness and suddenness, allowing him to create separation at the line of scrimmage and find soft spots in zone coverage. Despite his smaller frame at 5-foot-8, he plays with physicality and competes aggressively for contested catches. His speed makes him a threat after the catch, and his route-running precision enables him to work the short-to-intermediate areas of the field effectively. Beyond his offensive contributions, Zaccheaus has shown value on special teams, evidenced by his fumble recovery for a touchdown early in his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Zaccheaus’ most memorable NFL moment came in December 2019, when he caught his first professional pass, a 93-yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. This play not only ranked as the third-longest reception in Falcons history but also set an NFL record for the longest first-career catch. Throughout his career, he has delivered standout performances against former teams, including multiple two-touchdown games. His consistency across multiple franchises demonstrates his ability to adapt to different offensive systems while maintaining reliable production.
Olamide Zaccheaus Career Wins
Across six NFL seasons from 2019 through 2025, Zaccheaus has accumulated 188 career receptions for 2,311 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons, when he posted 40 receptions for 533 yards and three touchdowns while starting 13 games. He has also contributed significantly on special teams, recording tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Zaccheaus has played in over 70 career NFL games and continues to serve as a reliable receiving option for his team.
Atlanta Falcons Highlights
During his four seasons with the Falcons from 2019 to 2022, Zaccheaus established himself as a consistent contributor. His signature moment came in his rookie season with the 93-yard touchdown reception, which remains one of the longest receptions in franchise history. He set a then-rookie record for longest first-career catch, a testament to his readiness upon entering the league. His 2022 season represented his best statistical year, with 40 receptions for 533 yards and three touchdowns in a full-time starting role. The 100-yard game against Denver in 2020 and the two-touchdown performance against New Orleans in 2021 highlighted his big-play ability.
Other Highlights
Beyond his Falcons tenure, Zaccheaus delivered memorable performances with the Washington Commanders in 2024, including a two-touchdown game against the Eagles in Week 16. His ability to produce against former teams demonstrates his competitive nature and continuity of skill regardless of system or surroundings.
Olamide Zaccheaus Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public records do not provide detailed information about Zaccheaus’ family background or parents. He has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field.
Personal Life
Zaccheaus resides in the Chicago area during the football season. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a durable NFL contributor spanning multiple franchises reflects his resilience and dedication to his craft.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter for Zaccheaus as he joined the Chicago Bears organization. Transitioning to a Bears team undergoing transformation, he provided valuable experience and stability to a relatively young receiving group. Appearing in 16 games with five starts, he recorded 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns. His two scores came at key moments throughout the season, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable red-zone target and chain-mover.
The Bears’ offense showed signs of growth throughout the season, and Zaccheaus’ professionalism and work ethic contributed positively to the team environment. His ability to develop chemistry with multiple quarterbacks and adapt to different offensive schemes continued to underscore his value as a veteran presence. Looking ahead, Zaccheaus enters 2026 with the opportunity to build on his established track record and continue making contributions at the NFL level.