Amen Ogbongbemiga became a world traveler at an early age.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ogbongbemiga spent nine years in the Houston area in Richmond before his parents, Ngozi and Ayo, moved the family permanently to Canada.
Now, the second-team All-Big 12 linebacker from Oklahoma State has set his ambitions on another destination: the NFL.
“That’s the next chapter of my life,” Ogbongbemiga said in a telephone interview heading into his campus Pro Day workout Thursday. “It’s been an eye-opening experience. I’ve met a lot of great people, made a lot of great relationships. It’s exciting, and you don’t know what the future holds.”
Ogbongbemiga’s older brother, Alex Ogbongbemiga, played at the University of Houston and the University of Calgary before playing for Canadian Football League. His younger brother can’t wait to audition for NFL scouts.
“It’s exciting,” said Ogbongbemiga, who’s represented by Houston-based NFL agent Murphy McGuire of Octagon. “I can’t wait to show out and do what I do. I’m made for times like this.”
A finance and management major who played his high school football at Notre Dame High School in Calgary, Ogbongbemiga declared for the NFL draft after recording 81 tackles, 12 for losses, two fumble recoveries and 2 ½ sacks in his final college season. He forced three fumbles against TCU, setting a school record. He finished his career with 208 tackles, 25 for losses, nine sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Ogbongbemiga plays the game with an aggressive, instinctive style. He had 100 tackles, 15 ½ tackles for losses, and five sacks as a junior. A former All-Big 12 Conference academic selection and team captain, Ogbongbemiga gets high marks for his ability to diagnose plays.
“They’re going to get an exceptional leader,” Ogbongbemiga said. “I love to bring out the best in everyone around me. I’m a very intellectual player. I’m a person who takes the mental aspect of the game real serious. That’s the most important part is knowing your assignments and everyone else’s assignments. I know what to do on the field and bring leadership and intellect.
“I’m a very high character person who cherishes doing the right thing all the time. For my parents, this is a big opportunity and a great thing for me to honor them. They always wanted me to get my education. I come to the NFL with a lot of positive values that can benefit any team and be the best teammate I can be.”
Ogbongbemiga has met with several teams virtually, including the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. With McGuire guiding his career, Ogbongbemiga is navigating the draft process during a year where there is no formal NFL scouting combine.
“Murphy is a great dude who loves what he’s doing and has helped me a lot,” Ogbongbemiga said. “He has definitely showed me the ropes and talked me through a lot of things. It’s been fantastic.”
Ogbongbemiga is still making his plans for the draft. He could spend time with family in Canada or perhaps in the Houston area.
“I’ll definitely link up with my family,” Ogbongbemiga said. “I might not even watch the draft. I may just wait for the phone call. That will be a blessing that day. I’ve watched it in the past.
“It might stress me out a little. It’s all love. It’s been such a crazy journey. I just appreciate all the support and dedication that the fans gave me and my teammates. That made the camaraderie and experience 10 times better.”