NFL star Ogunjobi set to inspire black players

With American football slowly taking root in Uganda, viewers on DStv can look forward to seeing a player of recent African descent, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Larry Olumide Ogunjobi.

He will star in a live National Football League (NFL) match this week as ESPN continues to offer a wide array of sports from America and beyond.

Born to Nigerian emigrants in New Jersey, Ogunjobi's first name, Olumide, means 'our saviour has come' in the Yoruba culture. The 26-year-old was signed by the Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, having made his name in college football with the Charlotte 49ers.

Now into his fourth year as a professional, Ogunjobi is determined to take his game to a new level in the 2020-21 NFL season.

"I want to be great. At a certain point in your career, you want to get over that hump. You want to take it to the next level. You want to showcase what you can truly do," said the 1.91metre-tall defensive player.

"I just go into every offseason trying to get better than the one before. This offseason, I feel like it was one of my best ones, if not my best one, because of my attention to detail, my level of training I was doing and the people I was around.

"Overall, I was just focused and had the ability to get it done and worked on all of the things I didn't do so well. I was able to master those things and was more comfortable with myself and what I'm doing. I'm really excited for the season. I just can't wait."

Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin believes that Ogunjobi's determination will take him as far as he wants to go in American Football.

"From the day I met him, I could just tell how hungry he is, how eager he is, and that he wants to be great. He is chasing greatness. He has all the intangibles. He has the tools, the athletic ability, the skillset, and the strength," said Kiffin.

"We have to help him rush the passer on third down, teach him some moves, and make him a three-down player that can dominate. Not just be good, that can dominate in this league. He sees all those other guys getting all the accolades as far as top defensive tackles in the league, and he wants to put himself up there."

If Olumide Ogunjobi can live up to his first name and keep up his hunger to perform, then the Browns could be set for a great 2020-21 NFL season. The Cleveland side has not been to the playoffs since 2002-03, but will be looking to get on course for glory with a win at home to the Cincinnati Bengals - a match you can see live on ESPN on the morning of Friday, September 18.