Olumide Larry Ogunjobi Bio
Olumide Larry Ogunjobi is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Born June 3, 1994, in Livingston, New Jersey, he played college football at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Ogunjobi has built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams, known for his pass-rushing ability and interior defensive line presence.
Early Life and Background
Ogunjobi was born in Livingston, New Jersey, to Yoruba parents who immigrated from Nigeria. He attended Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina. From 2013 to 2016, he played college football at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, recording 217 tackles and 13 sacks over his collegiate career. He double-majored in computer science and biology at Charlotte, graduating with a degree in computer science in December 2016.
Path to the NFL
Coming out of college, Ogunjobi was ranked as the 15th best defensive tackle in the 2017 draft by CBSSports.com. He received an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl, where he played for the North team in a closely contested game against the South. His performance at the Senior Bowl helped raise his draft stock significantly. He participated in the NFL Combine and completed all required drills. NFL draft experts projected him as a second or third-round pick, with ESPN ranking him as the third-best defensive tackle in the draft. He was selected 65th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Olumide Larry Ogunjobi Career
Cleveland Browns (2017–2020)
The Cleveland Browns selected Ogunjobi in the third round with the 65th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract on May 17, 2017, a deal worth $3.9 million. Ogunjobi played in 14 games during his rookie season, recording 17 solo tackles and one sack as the Browns finished with an 0-16 record. In 2018, he continued developing as a defender, finishing with 33 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, and 5.5 sacks.
On November 14, 2019, Ogunjobi was involved in an altercation with Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph during a game between the Browns and Steelers. He was suspended for one game without pay and fined for his role in the incident. Despite the setback, he remained a key part of the Browns defense. Ogunjobi made his playoff debut on January 10, 2021, contributing three assisted tackles in the Browns’ 48-37 victory over the Steelers in the Wild Card round.
Cincinnati Bengals (2021)
On March 19, 2021, Ogunjobi signed a one-year contract worth $6.2 million with the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 16 games in the 2021 season, recording a career-high seven sacks, 49 tackles, and a team-high 12 tackles for loss. His performance helped the Bengals reach the playoffs, but he suffered a season-ending foot injury during the Wild Card game against the Las Vegas Raiders that required surgery, prematurely ending his campaign.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2022–2024)
On June 21, 2022, Ogunjobi signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started all 16 games in the 2022 season, recording 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His consistency earned him a three-year contract extension worth $28.75 million on March 17, 2023. During the 2023 season, he recorded 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. He made two tackles in the Steelers’ Wild Card playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in January 2024.
In the 2024 season, Ogunjobi recorded his first sack of the season against New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the Steelers won 37-15. The Steelers released Ogunjobi on March 10, 2025.
Buffalo Bills (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Ogunjobi signed a one-year contract worth $8.3 million with the Buffalo Bills. However, after signing with the Bills, he was suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ogunjobi has established himself as a reliable interior defensive lineman throughout his NFL career. His ability to generate pressure from the interior has resulted in 27.5 career sacks. He has shown consistency as a run defender while also contributing as an effective pass rusher. His career-high seven sacks with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing backfields when healthy. His versatility has allowed him to remain a valued member of multiple NFL rosters throughout his career.
Career Milestones
Several moments stand out in Ogunjobi’s professional career. His selection by the Browns in the 2017 Draft marked the beginning of his NFL journey. The 2021 season with Cincinnati proved to be his most productive, as he set career highs in sacks with seven and tackles for loss with 12. His playoff debut came with the Browns in January 2021, when he contributed to their Wild Card victory over the Steelers. His journey through three organizations before joining Buffalo demonstrates his durability and adaptability as a professional defender.
Olumide Larry Ogunjobi Career Statistics
Through his NFL career, Ogunjobi has established himself as a productive interior defender. His career statistics reflect his contributions across multiple seasons and teams.
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 380 |
| Sacks | 27.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 |
| Pass Deflections | 3 |
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills, Ogunjobi faces the challenge of serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Once eligible to return, he will look to contribute to a Bills team with strong playoff aspirations. His experience from eight NFL seasons and proven ability to generate pressure from the interior could make him a valuable addition to the Bills’ defensive line rotation upon his return from suspension.