Olisaemeka Udoh Bio
Olisaemeka Udoh is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 14, 1997, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Udoh attended Terry Sanford High School before playing college football at Elon University. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the sixth round, 193rd overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Udoh has been a reliable depth player along the offensive line, appearing in 74 games with 22 starts across his time with the Vikings, Saints, Titans, and Cardinals.
Early Life and Background
Olisaemeka Udoh was born to Benjamin Udoh and Rita Udoh in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He attended Terry Sanford High School, where he began his football journey as a defensive lineman. During his senior year, Udoh made a transition to the offensive side of the ball, a move that would define his future career path. His performance that season earned him second-team Cape Fear Region honors after helping his high school program reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Udoh excelled academically and athletically, being recognized as an NCHSAA student-athlete honoree in both 2012 and 2013. Beyond football, he also lettered in track and field during his final high school season, specializing in the shot put and recording a top throw of 44 feet 5 inches (13.54 meters), demonstrating the athletic foundation that would support his future football career.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school, Udoh enrolled at Elon University, joining the Elon Phoenix football program in 2014. He took a redshirt season in his freshman year to adjust to the college level. From that point forward, Udoh never missed a game, ultimately finishing his collegiate career with 45 starts along the offensive line.
His academic dedication was evident as he earned a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association Football Academic All-Conference Team in both 2015 and 2016. By his senior season in 2018, Udoh had established himself as one of the top FCS offensive tackles, earning recognition as a Phil Steele Football Championship Subdivision First Team All-American. His strong senior campaign also earned him a first-team All-CAA selection and an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, providing him with exposure heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.
Olisaemeka Udoh Career
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2023)
Udoh began his professional career when the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the sixth round, 193rd overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he worked to find his footing on an NFL roster while developing behind experienced offensive linemen. His versatility and physical tools made him a valuable practice squad candidate and future depth piece.
During his time with the Vikings, Udoh served primarily as a reserve and special teams contributor. In July 2020, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but was activated later that August, demonstrating the challenges players faced during that season. Udoh re-signed with Minnesota on March 18, 2023, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development. However, his 2023 season was cut short when he suffered a quad injury in Week 2, leading to his placement on injured reserve on September 19, 2023.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Udoh moved to the New Orleans Saints in March 2024, signing with the team and looking to contribute along their offensive line. During the 2024 season, he appeared in 14 games for the Saints, including one start, showing his ability to stay healthy and provide valuable depth at the tackle position. His versatility allowed him to serve as both a backup and a spot starter when needed.
Tennessee Titans (2025)
On April 17, 2025, Udoh signed with the Tennessee Titans, joining another franchise as they built their offensive line depth. His arrival provided the Titans with an experienced tackle who understood multiple offensive systems. Udoh’s veteran presence and game experience made him a solid addition to their roster competition heading into the 2025 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Udoh’s physical profile stands out at the tackle position, measuring 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 325 pounds. His college career demonstrated durability and consistency, starting 45 consecutive games at Elon without missing a contest. As a former defensive lineman who transitioned to offense, Udoh brings an understanding of both sides of the ball and the physicality required to succeed at the professional level. His length and strength allow him to handle edge rushers in pass protection while his experience at multiple positions along the line provides positional flexibility for coaching staffs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Udoh has demonstrated resilience in overcoming adversity. His 2023 season was derailed by injury, but he bounced back to appear in 14 games with the Saints in 2024. On a personal note, in October 2022 during the Vikings’ bye week, Udoh faced legal issues when he was falsely accused of following a woman into a bathroom at a bar. The charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest were later dismissed, with his lawyer characterizing the arrest as unlawful based on evidence proving he never entered the bathroom. In May 2023, Udoh received three traffic citations, including two speeding violations, one involving driving 97 mph in a 55 mph zone on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a separate reckless driving charge.
Olisaemeka Udoh Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2019 to 2025, Udoh has accumulated significant playing time as a reserve and spot starter along offensive lines. His ability to stay healthy and contribute across multiple teams demonstrates his value as a reliable depth player in the league.
Elon University Highlights
Before his professional career, Udoh enjoyed an impressive college career at Elon University. He finished with 45 consecutive starts along the Phoenix offensive line and never missed a game throughout his four-year career. His senior season in 2018 represented his peak collegiate performance, earning him recognition as a Phil Steele Football Championship Subdivision First Team All-American, a first-team All-CAA selection, and an invitation to the prestigious NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. His academic honors included Colonial Athletic Association Football Academic All-Conference Team selections in 2015 and 2016.
Professional Career Statistics
In the NFL, Udoh has appeared in 74 games with 22 starts across his seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans. His most active professional season came with the Saints in 2024 when he appeared in 14 games with one start. His durability at the NFL level reflects the foundation built during his injury-free collegiate career at Elon.
| Series | Games Played | Games Started | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (Vikings, Saints, Titans) | 74 | 22 | 2019–2025 |
Olisaemeka Udoh Family
Family Background
Udoh was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Benjamin Udoh and Rita Udoh. His parents supported his athletic pursuits throughout his youth, with his mother and father providing encouragement during his transition from defensive lineman to offensive tackle at Terry Sanford High School. Their support helped him develop into a Division I athlete and eventual NFL draft pick.
Personal Life
While Udoh maintains a public profile with an active Instagram presence, detailed information about his personal life beyond football remains private. He has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children as of available records. Udoh continues to pursue his professional football career while residing in the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter for Udoh as he joined the Tennessee Titans organization in April 2025. His signing provided the Titans with an experienced offensive tackle who had played for three different franchises and appeared in over 70 NFL games. The move represented an opportunity for Udoh to compete for a more significant role on a team looking to rebuild its offensive line depth.
During his time with the Titans, Udoh worked to establish himself within the team’s offensive scheme and culture. His versatility as both a left and right tackle candidate gave the coaching staff flexibility in their lineup decisions. The Titans valued his professionalism and the consistency he brought from his previous NFL experiences.
Looking ahead, Udoh’s career trajectory shows a pattern of finding opportunities with teams seeking experienced depth at the tackle position. His ability to contribute immediately as a reserve and step in as a starter when needed makes him an attractive option for franchises looking to strengthen their offensive lines without significant financial investment.