From wrestling champion to NFL defensive tackle: the rise of Osa Odighizuwa
In short: Before commanding the line for the San Francisco 49ers, Osa Odigh<0xC2>sawa dominated the wrestling mat. A three-time state heavyweight champion with an undefeated streak, his journey from a standout UCLA Bruin to a high-stakes NFL contract is a masterclass in physical versatility and defensive grit.
Osawaru Odighizuwa’s path to professional football was built on a foundation of multi-sport dominance. Before his time at UCLA, he was a standout at David Douglas High School, where he earned PrepStar All-West honors. His athletic profile was uniquely shaped by wrestling, where he secured three consecutive state heavyweight championships and maintained an incredible undefeated run of 91 matches across his final two seasons (46–0 and 45–0). The heavyweight title at the 2015 Fargo Junior Men's Freestyle National Championship was another of his accomplishments.
Transitioning to the gridiron, Odighizuwa became a cornerstone of the UCLA Bruins' defense. His collegiate career saw steady progression, from a redshirt freshman backup to a first-team all-conference selection in the Pac-12. During his senior season, despite a shortened seven-game schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the team in tackles for loss with 10. This defensive prowess caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Dallas Cowboys as the 7th pick of the third round in the 2021 NFL draft.
In the NFL, Odighizuwa quickly established himself as a reliable interior presence. After being named a starting defensive tackle by head coach Mike McCarthy during his first training camp, he delivered impactful performances, including a standout Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles where he recorded 1.5 sacks. His career trajectory saw significant financial milestones, including a four-year, $80 million contract extension with Dallas in March 2025, before his eventual trade to the San Francisco 49ers in March 2026.
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