Since 1987 when running back Christian Okoye was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, 50 Nigerian-born players have made it to the NFL. Seven were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Hundreds more have played college ball. University of Toledo senior linebacker Richard Olekanma is a part of the growing story of Nigerians excelling in a sport that is rarely, if ever, played on the African continent.