Christian Okoye
Okoye in 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Position | Fullback | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | August 16, 1961 Enugu, Nigeria | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 253 lb (115 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Azusa Pacific | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1987: 2nd round, 35th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Christian Emeka Okoyeⓘ (/oʊˈkɔɪeɪ/; born August 16, 1961) is a Nigerian–American former professional football fullback who played for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL) from 1987 to 1992. Nicknamed "the Nigerian Nightmare", he was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. His six-season NFL career produced an NFL rushing champion title in 1989, first-team All-Pro honors in 1989, second-team All-Pro honors in 1991, two Pro Bowl appearances in 1989 and 1991, and three playoff appearances. He ended his NFL career due to multiple injuries.
He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2000. He is also notable for not having ever played football until the age of 23, but later leading the NFL in rushing at age 28.