Jeff Okudah is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the Houston Texans in the NFL. Born on February 2, 1999, in Grand Prairie, Texas, he stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 205 pounds.
Early Life and Education
Okudah attended South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he earned five-star recruit status. He committed to Ohio State University in January 2017.
College Career
During his time at Ohio State (2017–2019), Okudah played in 40 games over three seasons. In his junior year (2019), he recorded 34 tackles, nine passes defensed, and three interceptions. His performance earned him unanimous All-American honors and a finalist spot for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Professional Career
- Detroit Lions (2020–2022): Selected third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $33.528 million, including a $21.944 million signing bonus. His rookie season was limited to nine games due to injuries, and he missed the entire 2021 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the opener.
- Atlanta Falcons (2023): Traded to the Falcons in April 2023 for a fifth-round pick, Okudah played in 13 games, recording 44 tackles and three passes defensed.
- Houston Texans (2024–Present): Signed by the Texans in March 2024, Okudah’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, including a hip injury that sidelined him for nine games and a concussion before the regular-season finale.
Recent Developments
On March 17, 2025, Okudah visited the Minnesota Vikings for a free-agent meeting, as the team seeks to bolster its secondary.