He Didn’t Play Football Until Age 23… then Became the NFL’s Most Intimidating Player
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
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Christian Okoye was a near 260 pound runningback who took the NFL by storm in the late 80's... yet he didn't play a down of football until he was 23 years old. Find out his story in this video.
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Outro- The Fix by Aldous Young 
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I have one story to help add to how incredible Okoye's rise to stardom was.
I played runningback in high school and we had an African refugee join the varsity football team as a Senior. With almost no understanding of the game, coach put him with us runningbacks and I took on the roll of trying to help him learn. He barely spoke any English.
Man… trying to teach him the basics was a challenge. With a language barrier and all the little nuances of football, that kid didn't stand a chance. Running reps at full speed in practice almost always resulted in coaches stopping the play and trying to explain to him what to do. If I remember correctly, he only got a handful of snaps the entire season and the plays called were simple dives and blasts. He was a really nice guy, but it's tough to learn a new sport in a few months. Especially when that sport is football at the high school varsity level.
The fact that Christian Okoye didn't play a down of organized football until he was 23, and then quickly achieved the success he did is truly remarkable.
Hi kto
Yo
@KTO The Nigerian nightmare! How do you think he compares to mike alstott?
@@tantheman8229 both are legends, but i feel like okoye was more dominant during his career
KTO when you referenced Tecmo Super Bowl there were 28 teams in that game all the current teams. You meant the original Tecmo Bowl where K.C wasn't in. still a solid vid tho
I played rb from the age of 8 through middle and high school and division 1 college at UMass and the fact that this man led the NFL in rushing without knowing the difference between a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense is absolutely insane. Depending on the defense the plays and holes that are schemed open are completely different or where cut backs should be. It's literally insane he was able to do what he was able to do. If he had played as an amateur he would've been even more insane. My father used to show me film of Okoye and tell me if you're not going to be a speed back (bc I was chunky as a kid) this is what I needed to be when I first started little league in 95'
When did you go to UMass?
@@grimtea1715 if he was in little league in 95’ I’d guess around the late 2000s/ early 2010s
@@wrenstark6320 ah shit that does sound about right
@@wrenstark6320 I’m gonna assume he’s born in ‘87 so it would prob be 05-09
O yea, Umass....cool. Me too, waterboy
A great example of genetics/natural talent being only part of the package. His willingness to continually learn and not take his opportunity for granted is what really set him apart.
No
His genetics did it all
He seems like a great person too, humble all the way from beginning to end. Size,power,& a smile! Winning combination!
That and very lenient drug testing protocols in the NFL.
@@slappyhappy6192 definitely not, people use that as en excuse
@@slappyhappy6192 k
Ziggy Ansah had a similar story. Came to the US from Ghana to go to BYU and had a track scholarship. Dream was to play college basketball but was cut as a walk-on. Someone said "Hey, you're a 270 lb freak of nature with sprinter speed, you should be a football player". He had never even seen an American football game. Ended up walking onto the football team, two years later he was a 5th overall pick and went on to be a pro bowler for the Lions.
I didn’t know black people could go to BYU
@@honeybadger0562 only foreign black people
Not to mention that Ziggy was kind of a bust...
@@jok3r906 I literally just said he was a pro bowler. He had some injuries and the Lions were awful when he was there, but he had some really solid years in Detroit.
@@jok3r906 im a lions fan ZIGGY WAS A MONSTER just injuries kills peoples careers you know and also lions just can never get things right but at least we are humble and know what we are lol
This man right here is why I became a Chiefs fan in my early teens. People would ask, "why in the world is a boy from Miami rooting for the Chiefs?" "The Nigerian Nightmare" was the answer.
Steve Atwater. 6’3 and 220 lbs. 1,000 solo tackles. 8 Pro Bowls and 2 Super Bowl Rings.
A force.
Hello fellow Hog fan!
And Hall of Famer!
Yeah he mentioned he was smaller than okoyr but didn’t mention Atwater was massive for his position
One of my top 5 Broncos of all time. He actually knocked out three guys (including himself) in one play in Super Bowl XXXII. Just insane.
He didn't end okoye with that hit tho. Okoye second best season was the next year after that hit.
My dad has always been a Seahawks fan, so when Dave Krieg moved to KC we watched the Chiefs games that year too. Watching Okoye is one of the reasons I became a Chiefs fan, along with Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith. The next year Okoye was gone and I was young enough to not really wonder what happened and distracted by Joe frickin Montana so I hadn't thought much about him until now. Thanks for filling us in!
Smh bruh u should’ve been a hawks fan
@@yellow8412 bro I am and it's already hard when they play each other but not as hard when they were both in afc west
@@AI-mg3hy oh ur a fan of both yeah I hate when the hawks play the chiefs too… not bc I’m a Chiefs fan just bc the hawks always lose😂
gawd i wish okoye had a chance to play with Montana
Not as young as you, but when I saw him run? I became a Chiefs fan.
Being coached by Marty Schottenheimer, you couldn’t wish for a better team to be on. Marty was a rushing genius and pounded up and down the field every week. Pure gold.
Ever heard of Bill Parcells
Yes, Schottenheimer, loved the way he coached the old smashmouth way and I still think that today, especially with the defenses today, that if a team has a good fullback, solid halfback and line up in the power I and just smash defenses it would still work even better with these defenses spread out to protect the pass it would be insane not to mention setting up the play-action to be deadly efficient, this eats clock and helps the defense. 3 yards and a cloud of dust...gotta love it!!!
@@Methadone4Life He and Parcells were THREE YDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST in the '80s
Nobody remembers all the times Okoye mowed down Atwater. They just remember the crazy time it went the other way. Just another way we know how crazy Okoye was.
I was just watching some old highlights (I think it might’ve been the chiefs ‘The Franchise’ program) & they showed a couple shots Okoye took that were just as hard as the Atwater hit. I think the fact that it happened on MNF that made everyone remember it. Like you mentioned, I also remember Okoye mowing down Atwater on several occasions. Those runs always stuck in my head cause Atwater was such a great player & as a Chiefs fan, I absolutely hated him🤣
Do you remember all the times okoye fumbled lol? Of course you dont
@@brandynhenry7107 just now looked it up. All 27 of his fumbles happened before I was born, so I do not in fact remember all the times he fumbled lol
@@brandynhenry7107 yeah kto made these guys think okoye was some hall of fame when the dude was barely breaking 500 yards on average
@@Giantsfanlewis cry harder
I loved playing as the Chiefs in Tecmo Super Bowl. Choose a run play for Okoye and watch would be tacklers bounce of him like ping pong balls.
Against the colts or patriots when he's in excellent condition and nobody on either defense has enough stats to stop him
I said the same things lol great game
Then you turn on the game and watch him actually do that to human beings
@@DMBlade4 though sadly you didn't though because he was Belo average 2/3rds of his entire career.
FAKZ. 💯
If he grew up around football, he could have been one of the greatest to ever play
If his stamina for football lasted that long, I fear his boredom MAY have caught on too soon gfor hi to reach goat level praise, or I'm just blowing smoke up my ass, who knows?
Likely as a tight end though
Possibly however, if he started playing earlier, the likelihood of nagging injuries due to playing in a contact sport before making it to the pros, would’ve been tenfold compared to track and field?
Okoye: " 3-4? 4-3? Both equal 7 to me "
Let's not forget the incredible backfield duo the Chiefs had with Okoye and Barry Word. NOBODY wanted to tackle either one of those guys.
Excellent comment.
Steve Atwater would beg to differ with you, he embarrassed Okoye and knocked him backward on his butt on Monday night football.
I trained some of the Chiefs. One night in 1999 Christian Okoye called me and we talked for an hour and a half. What a kind soul. One of coolest things in my life.
he’s in the end-zone celebrating with the o-line and you can’t tell who’s who. Few humans are built like him
Imagine being a running back, working for a dream that you've worked from junior high to the college ranks for, and after you make it, some guy comes from a different planet, doesn't have the same background or even knowledge comes in and does better than you. Crazy story.
Proof positive that there's always, ALWAYS someone better than you. Just got to be the best you you can be, though.
Sounds like my luck lol
Okoye was a genetic freak
@@matthewjones12181 There's always a bigger fish
Nah... that's just life bro lmao....great story
I love seeing Atwater in interviews about that tackle...he's humble about it, cause some time after the game he found out that Okoye's wife had a miscarriage. So he believes he wasn't facing a full strength Nigerian Nightmare.
Also looks liek Okoye suffered a concussion there..the way his leg was in the air after the hit.
Christian is very important to NFL history. He was the OG international icon in the NFL now the NFL is trying i hard to expand and I believe its because of his success
yh, just like hakeem olajuwon was to basketball in at least Nigeria, nott really sure about Africa.
so you think the NFL trying to expand now is because of a RB from 30-35 years ago?
@@unkledoda420 way to completely miss the point 🤡
@@unkledoda420 Biggest highlight is the "NFLs most intimidating player" getting smacked by a safety 30 lbs lighter than him.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Why would he come here? I can’t imagine how terribly racist the US was back then, let alone now! And to think he got an education and was welcomed with opened arms?! Racists everywhere, I tell you!
Honestly, I imagine that his past led to why he was always a humble player and accepting of coaching. Its easy to see how some nfl players can be pretty headstrong, when you think about how, at pretty much any point of their life up until NFL, they have been the best at what they do. Likely the best player on their HS team, the best player in their position in college, and further ego bolstered by a NFL draft selection. Okoye knew he had the protentional, and was lacking the game knowledge, so he listened to his coaches and never took his physical skills for granted. Now he seems like a really chill guy, and I have a feeling that not getting gassed up as a kid probably helped with that.
That was my guy back in the day, the "Nigerian Nightmare" was a beast in the NFL.
Him and Barry Word in the Kansas City Chief's backfield was a problem I'm telling you. They just didn't have the overall team but they were very good.
Back in the day playing with him on Super Tecmo Bowl was no joke, if you know you know lol!!!💯
I was born in ‘86 and have been a Chiefs fan my entire life. Okoye’s oversized shoulder pads are some of my earliest memories of watching football. Great intro to the sport
I'm a Broncos fan and I hated him, but Okoye as a person and an athlete, you have to love him!
It's alright, we get to enjoy that career ending hit from Atwater. Dude was never the same after.
Smiling Assassin!!! That was great
Right! Respect.
@@marshmangunnar9150 You must be a Broncos fan because no one else would know Atwater had that nickname.
@@GrantOakes bet Christian knows it
cannot imagine how scary seeing this man running at you with his shoulder lowered must have been
The redskins wasn't scared of him.They was popping the shit out of him.They broke the shit out his big ass.
I remember him playing with Barry word and my god, 2 big power backs coming downhill each play
My favorite combo in Tecmo Super Bowl.
They're my favorite backfield duo of all time. Smash and smash harder.
That's the other guy!
I remember them playing the Packers and either one just dominating the Packers defense back and forth. 6, 7, 8 yards regularly. It's like, could they ever get them to third down to force a pass?
I had the privilege to meet this great man a year back and I can not believe how nice this man was(I’m not even a chiefs fan but I love the dude)
My professor was the play by play commentator at Azusa Pacific while Okoye was there - he never expected a player like that to come through
Having a dude that athletic would be completely unfair in the naia.
When I lived in Azusa, he was like a living legend out there.
@@YOSSARIAN313 that’s what he told me 😂
People who started late then became pro athletes like Okoye are super rare!
The only other man I remember starting in his mid 20s, then becoming a prolific athlete is Rocky Marciano.
Great video as always.
Dennis Rodman too
@@upliftedxgod7701
Rodman gave up basketball after he graduated HS; then, he decided to came back after his sudden growth spurt.
Rodman qualified for an other category. Players who became relevant after a growth spurt like McCallum.
@@david.tousignant20 u mean cj McCollum?
definitely no the “only other” but ok
@@poindextertunes
"I"
dudes an athletic freak and starting at 23 is insane, dude really lucked out
Atwater was so lucky on that play. Okoye was off of his feet. Great timing lol
In all of these stories, two constants are present: hard work and determination.
And being gifted with great genetics.
@@taylor6618 and steroids
Okoye really is like the best comp for derrick Henry. The way they play and their style is the exact same.
Huh??? Henry plays SOFT compared to the NN.... yall need to stop Henry plays soft..mainly stiff arms
One of the things about Okoye:
I have never ever ever heard anybody who knew him say anything bad about him.
He had that season where he was struggling and was brutalized by a public who did not know that his child died an hour after being born just prior to training camp.
I’m a Raider through and through but Okoye is in my Top Ten favorite players of all time.
I hated him. For all the right reasons. Because I love that man.
Between him and Mike Alstott are the 2 FB's you'd never want to face in a goalline situation.
Larry Czonka too.
Imagine that backfield in a goal line situation
@@jliller czonka was smaller and slower than both
@@YOSSARIAN313 Czonka was 6’4”, 240.
@@fishflake1209 still smaller and much slower than both. That doesn't change. Csonka was no where close to running a 4.3. Csonka could not run fast enough to get to the second level of the defense in the modern era. He played in an era where the level of talent was SIGNIFICANTLY lower
I love that Barry Sanders had 90 fewer carries than Okoye in 1989 and only lost the rushing title by 10 yards. Sanders actually played a later game in the final week and had a chance to get the title. He said he didn’t care about individual accolades, so he sat out the 4th quarter because his team was way ahead.
Really...this isn't about Barry Sanders let other people have a moment Barry gets enough praise
I remember that Atwater hit when I was kid. If I’m not mistaken, I believe Okoye trucked Atwater later in that same game.
He carried the Hope's of an entire generation of powerbacks
LOL
So dramatic
Okoye's a monster running back. I read that Kwazi Mbutabe from the Blitz: The League Duology is based off Okoye as well.
These videos are awesome. I’m a pretty young NFL fan so I wasn’t around during that era. But it’s always awesome to see older players from a previous era get their flowers
I loved Watching
Christian Okoye and Barry Word playing Running Back for Kansas City Chiefs.
They Both were Nightmares
when running the with the Football.
The simple fact of this man being as great in NFL as he was and his whole story how he had no clue what football was till 21. This man deserves to be in NFL hall of Fame. He mighta not had typical Hof career but who else in the NFL could do that? How many other NFL players woulda gave up before or when they got to league? This is such an inspiration of being smart as well as being tough never giving up. Thanks for this video
This guy was so fun to watch. His presence on the field changed the dynamic of the game. It's rare any more we see guys like Bettis, Alstot or Okoye. This guy had such raw tallent.
Ooook now we talking. I was hoping someone would mention my boy Jerome “the bus” Bettis. Mike Allstot was a beast also. More semi-modern day but nonetheless savages in their own right ya know…
Not rare. Extinct. I don't know if NFL offense may swing the other way, but the age of the FB is over. 30 carries was big load in the 80's, but happened most weeks. Now? 18 carries is considered a hero.
Great production as always, man. I watched Okoye in his heyday but never knew the backstory. And I remember that Atwater hit. Blew me away.
Looking at him in these clips I'm struck by how smilar his play was to Hershal Walker. Speed, build, toughness. Everything.
Hope things are well brotha! Keep killing it. Always excited for your in depth take on things I knew nothing about ❤️
That Okoye/Atwater hit is a good teachable moment for footwork and foot placement. I'm not a football analyst in any stretch of the imagination, I'm simply stating something I observed from this great video. If you look at Okoye, his feet are in front of his body as the hit is being made, while Atwater still has his feet behind him. I would wager that if it were the other way around, Okoye would have bulldozed Atwater and this would be a totally different story.
You are absolutely correct. I didn't even notice it, until you pointed it out. Okoye's feet were in front of him. Thank you.
Watched the rerun of his 'A Football Life' episode a few weeks back. Such a cool story
I grew up a Denver fan in Kansas City and will never forget when Steve Atwater knocked Okoye clean, blew the sports world's mind
Your videos are always amazing man. And the outro is becoming iconic 🔥
One of my top 3 power backs, Very humble and he had some nephews in the NFL but I am not sure if they are still playing. That hit from Steve was cool of course Christian had lost his baby so he wasn’t his self that game but great to watch and he reminded you of Earl Campbell
Growing up in a broncos household, that hit Atwater had on Okoye will live on forever. Not just because Atwater was the smilimg assassin, but because it was the hit that awoke you from the Nigerian Nightmare
I remember all of the pain he put on the broncos. Yes Atwater got him. Apparently you don't remember how many times he ran over Denver.
His next best season, was the year after that hit. Atwater didn't do much to him. He lost his son like that week already. He wasn't really okay.
Kansas City had Okoye and Barry Word in the backfield at a time taking turns punishing linebackers.
I didn't know anything about this story. Wow! KTO with another banger of an upload 🔥
Loved watching him play when I was younger and did not know his history. Thanks for sharing.
I liked watching this cat play as a kid and I collected his cards. But I was young and had no idea about his background. This is impressive beyond belief! Excellent content, nice work.
Think me and you are on the same level. Like you I was aware of him and knew he definitely something special on that field BUT I also never knew his back story. Hell I just found out thanks to this guys video….
The man literally lead the way for many other African players to play the game of football
All started with the Power 22 Up The Gut
His story always amazes me, great stuff as always KTO
Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing. I loved that era because of players like Okoye & Bo Jackson.
This is a really cool story! I love your vids
KTO never stops dropping fire videos
Sup KTO, glad to have another vid, like always man, much love and support. Godbless
I started watching football late in life, so I’ve never heard of him. Thank you for this incredible video!
Same! Great video
As a Broncos fan, my favorite memory of Christian Okoye is when Steve Atwater obliterated him.
As a chiefs fan.... 13-0 win streak against your Broncos 😂
@@ericfriendzoned1303 Savage
@@ericfriendzoned1303 as an outside giants fan, the broncos have had way more success in the post season than the cheifs. soooooo....
@@Giantsfanlewis like going after a 30+ yo QB who will most likely be 4th best in the division after Mahomes, Herbert and a Revengful Carr?
@@Giantsfanlewis You're right, they've lost 5 Super Bowls
People thinking that average joe’s can play in the NFL is not a thing, college football is made of freak athletes and NFL players are leagues ahead of them.
Best college players vs best high school players no chance
Tom Brady and Matt Ryan
@@andrewsucksatvideos4482 ?
The Nigerian Nightmare was one of my favorite growing up. That Steve Atwater play still legendary.
It is one of the greatest sports stories ever told. Definitely top 3 NFL stories ever told.
He was electrifying to watch in a game. Just a bone-crusher!
This guy was a BEAST in tecmo bowl.
I remember Okoye when he played for the Chiefs. (Raiders fan at the time.)
Watching him run was fun. It was like rooting for Barry Sanders.
You knew something crazy could happen any second.
Raiders fan “at the time”… wtf you are for life or not at all sucka!
The perfect time to go on break haha! Great video!!
“I wanna do whatever that guy is doing.” LMAO😂
Okoye Led the NFL in Rushing in 1989 Because the GOAT Gave it to him. Barry Sanders played after Okoye that day and Barry left the game at half because the Lions were winning Knowing all he had to do was run 11 yards more in the 2nd half and he said "Let the other Rookies play" Barry Sanders REALLY Led the NFL in Rushing 5 Times in 10 seasons
Interesting. Sounds like a very Barry thing to do.
Nigerian Nightmare might be the best nickname in NFL history.
I didn't play till I was a freshman because I was always too heavy by 50ibs. I was 6'2 245 as a sophomore as a starting rb/fb/de. Senior year weighed 262 and ran for 800 yards 11 tds. Huge Running backs represent!
He had a backfield mate that was very scary in Barry Word. Barry Word was no joke & @ times was equally as scary.
The late-80s/early-90s was a heck of a time to be a kid growing up in KC. I got to watch superfreak athletes Bo Jackson (playing on both the Royals and twice a year against the Chiefs) and Okoye. It really made you believe that Superman lived nearby.
I’m 17 so I never got to see him play but how I discovered him was playing tecmo bowl with my dad at age 5. I was addicted to playing with the chiefs because he was a beast on there.
Respect! Big props to your pops going old school with Tecmo Bowl and keeping it alive with the younger generation….
I'm sending this to Christian on his Facebook I'm sure he'll enjoy it well deserved and great content thank you
Lets goooo always a better day when KTO drops a video
I watched that game when Atwater caught okoye, it was pretty obvious okoye was indecisive on either lowering his shoulder or making a cut. Too bad you didn't show either the next play or a couple of plays later when okoye wasnt. 😊
Not true! Okoye was going full speed and so was Atwater. Don’t make excuses for the guy! Lol he got lit up man vs man
buddy was in and out of the NFL like it was just some part time job he picked up for a while. what a beast.
Killer content. Thanks!
Loved this!!!!! Super dope!!!!!
Imagine what he would have been able to do if he played football his whole life
Who knows. Could’ve been a blessing he learned late. Running backs don’t have a long shelf life
Or he could have actually learned to catch and been an equally dominant WR
@@IrishNewsRantBastard he has the speed for a receiver and good height. Imagining a corner trying to tackle that man at full speed would be insane. In modern cfb they probably would have coached him into a terrifying linebacker
@@YOSSARIAN313 Woulda loved seeing him play as a linebacker. Maaan talk about SICK!!!!!!!
Never heard of him until now!! Glad for you to cover all of these little known gems!!!
I wouldn't call okeye a little known gem
Bruhhhhh
Always a W when kto uploads
I’m so glad you’re posting more often
This is last person I’d want to have to tackle in the open field no contest. I’ll take take on Bettis, King Henry, even prime Earl Campbell. I dunno, maybe it’s the neckroll. This dude has always looked like the most intimidating fullback/tailback of all time IMO.
Let’s not go to far prime Earl was a whole mother beast. More agility and a killer stiff arm.
@@tackle47 I’ll put it like this. Ive hit players 240+ and came out on top by using fundamentals and not getting distracted by their size. What I’m saying is this dude is literally too big and athletic for me to tackle in the open field by myself. Atwater hit him in a crowd. I’m talking just you and the running back and he’s not trying to dodge you at all. I honestly believe his running style is the most brutal that Ive ever witnessed. He didn’t always break big runs but could often get four yards where many could not get a single. Earl may have been more agile but I know had to be easier to shoe shine with those comically large legs that he had. This dude was basically a shorter Brandon Jacobs(giving him a gravity advantage) with the athleticism of at least prime Larry Johnson. OP at his position.
@@4dhumaninstrumentality789 the dude had a fraction of touchdowns and yards as the men mentioned while having more tackles. your watching a video and acting like the highlights were his whole career. this guy spent 2/3rd of his career not even cracking the 500 yard mark. come on man
When Steve Atwater met him that was one of the hardest hits ever. Loved watching this guy run. Atwater may have gotten the best of him but akoye didn’t back down form anyone.
Ryan Clark on Willis McGahee was a bigger Safety on RB hit. That hit was unreal. You should do a video on that
Growing up a Chiefs fan, and watching when he played, the Nigerian Nightmare is still a favorite.
He is built like an offensive lineman but runs as fast as a wr.
The thing that actually really helped him especially early in his career was actually not have playing football his whole life. Sounds weird but many college players have thousands of hits stacked up already in their lifetime when reaching the NFL he had 0, plus all of that beastliness. Loved playing super tecmo bowl with him.
I love the old school TV look at the end. Adds to all the nostalgia in the video
What a god damn wholesome video. I appreciate you.
He was fresh when he entered the NFL. That helped a lot.
Did the Nigerian team ever give an explanation to why they didn’t select Okoye?
Probably because he moved to the US
As a Nigerian myself, I hope he doesn't feel bad about it to this day. There could bemany reasons but I hope it is not because of corruption, that will be terrible. If they had people that were better than him in that event, then maybe it is justifiable.
This guy is a legend..... 35# was a beast..... Shout to KTD love ya channel
He was a beast. What I remember of Okoye was him running over people, being a good person and when he was moving he could hardly slow himself down.
I remember him. What a great running back. I remember "the hit" between him and atwater of the broncos. 💥
You can play as Okoye in Tecmo Super Bowl (Kansas City) and he's so strong he just creates popcorn out of the defense.
KC fan here. Christian was a much loved monster. And the Atwater hit on Okoye was the fabric of Legend. Thank you was making this video sir :)
One of my all time favorite players (non Giants). Nice to hear his story. Best nickname as well.