Amen Ogbongbemiga Bio
Amen Ogbongbemiga is a Nigerian professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 4, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, he has built a notable career through his college football tenure at Oklahoma State University and his professional journey starting in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Amen Ogbongbemiga was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and his family relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2003 before settling in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2011. He attended Notre Dame High School in Calgary, where he excelled in football and track and field. During his junior year, he recorded 104 tackles, three sacks, and multiple forced fumbles, showcasing his defensive skills early on. His senior year was marked by 110 tackles and several accolades, including first-team all-district and team MVP honors. Academically, he was a three-time Academic Honor Roll selection, reflecting his commitment both on and off the field.
Path to American Football
Ogbongbemiga’s high school success in Calgary set the stage for his move back to the United States to pursue college football. His performance at Notre Dame, particularly his defensive statistics and leadership, attracted attention from college programs. He committed to Oklahoma State University, where he would further develop his skills and leadership as a linebacker. His transition from Canadian high school football to a major NCAA program demonstrated his adaptability and determination to compete at higher levels.
Amen Ogbongbemiga Career
Early Career (2016–2021)
Ogbongbemiga redshirted his true freshman year at Oklahoma State University in 2016, allowing him to develop physically and mentally for collegiate competition. In his redshirt freshman season, he played in 12 games, earning first-team academic all-Big 12 honors while contributing 16 tackles. His sophomore year saw increased responsibility, playing all 13 games and recording 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He earned recognition as a team captain in key games and was awarded the OSU Outstanding Special Teams Player award. His academic excellence continued with first-team academic all-Big 12 honors.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Breakthrough (2018–2020)
During his junior year in 2018, Ogbongbemiga emerged as a defensive leader, ranking sixth in the Big 12 with 100 tackles. He led the team with 15.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, earning second-team All-Big 12 and first-team academic honors. Notable performances included a 12-tackle game against Texas A&M and a key interception against Iowa State. He was named team captain multiple times, underscoring his leadership role. In his senior year, he continued as team captain and led Oklahoma State in tackles in six games. He was a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors again. His senior season featured a career-high 13 tackles in a game against West Virginia and a standout performance with three forced fumbles in one game, earning Big 12 Player of the Week honors. He declared for the NFL draft after this season.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2021–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Amen Ogbongbemiga signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent. Concurrently, he was selected eighth overall in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders but chose to pursue his NFL career. Over three seasons with the Chargers, he appeared in multiple games primarily contributing on special teams and as a backup linebacker. His rookie season included 26 tackles in 15 games. In 2022, he played all 17 games, recording six tackles and recovering a fumble in the playoffs. His third year saw continued participation with four tackles and two fumble recoveries over 15 games.
Chicago Bears Era (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Ogbongbemiga signed with the Chicago Bears. He played in all 17 games during the season, contributing a sack and 13 combined tackles. In 2025, he re-signed with the Bears on a two-year, $5 million contract. Initially playing mostly on special teams, he earned increased defensive snaps due to injuries on the team. His Week 12 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a career highlight, logging 40 snaps and 14 tackles, the second most on the team, helping secure a 31–28 victory.
Driving Style and Strengths
Amen Ogbongbemiga is known for his versatility and strong tackling ability. His experience on special teams and defense reflects his adaptability and football intelligence. He demonstrates effective pursuit angles and an ability to force turnovers, as seen in his college forced fumble statistics and professional fumble recoveries. His leadership as a team captain in college highlights his communication skills and on-field awareness.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ogbongbemiga’s career milestones include multiple team captaincies at Oklahoma State, second-team All-Big 12 honors in consecutive years, and a standout game with three forced fumbles in under 19 minutes. His transition from undrafted free agent to an active NFL roster player with the Chicago Bears marks a significant professional achievement. His career-high 14 tackles in a single NFL game in 2025 stands out as a key performance.
Amen Ogbongbemiga Career Wins
While Amen Ogbongbemiga’s role as a linebacker focuses on defensive contributions rather than individual wins, his consistent presence on active rosters and special teams has contributed to team successes at both college and professional levels. His leadership and defensive statistics have been integral to his teams’ competitive performances.
College Highlights
At Oklahoma State, Ogbongbemiga earned second-team All-Big 12 honors twice and was recognized for his academic achievements four times. He led his team in tackles for multiple games and was awarded the Leslie O’Neal award for best defensive player on the team. His leadership as a team captain and key defensive plays were central to the Cowboys’ competitive seasons.
Professional Highlights
Professionally, Ogbongbemiga has contributed primarily on special teams and as a backup linebacker. His career includes multiple fumble recoveries and a notable sack with the Chicago Bears. His increased defensive role in 2025 demonstrated his growth and value to the team.
Amen Ogbongbemiga Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Amen Ogbongbemiga’s family moved from Nigeria to North America during his childhood, supporting his athletic development. His brother, Alex Ogbongbemiga, played professional football in the Canadian Football League, indicating a family connection to the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Amen Ogbongbemiga’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, maintaining ties to his upbringing while pursuing his professional career in the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant period for Amen Ogbongbemiga with the Chicago Bears. After re-signing a two-year contract, he transitioned from primarily special teams duties to increased defensive responsibilities due to team injuries. His standout Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded 14 tackles, highlighted his readiness and impact on defense. The season showcased his development as a reliable linebacker and contributor to the Bears’ defensive unit. Team dynamics and his partnership with coaching staff have positioned him for continued growth in upcoming seasons.