Nakas Onyeka (born September 30, 1995) is a former professional Canadian football linebacker who played for four seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He first played for the Toronto Argonauts for three seasons and was a member of the 105th Grey Cup championship team. He has also been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Edmonton Elks.
 Onyeka with the Blue Bombers in 2021. | |
| Born: | September 30, 1995 Brampton, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| University | Wilfrid Laurier |
| High school | St. Marguerite d'Youville |
| CFL draft | 2017, round: 4, pick: 26 |
| Drafted by | Toronto Argonauts |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2017–2019 | Toronto Argonauts |
| 2020–2021* | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2021 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 2021 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2022* | Edmonton Elks |
| *Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career stats | |
| |
University career
editOnyeka played U Sports football with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. He was selected as an All-Canadian in his Senior year after leading the Golden Hawks to a Yates Cup. He finished the season with 60 Solo Tackles, 5.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
In his college career he was twice named an OUA All-Star.
Professional career
editArizona Cardinals
editOnyeka was invited to Arizona Cardinals mini-camp during the 2017 off-season.
Toronto Argonauts
editOnyeka was originally drafted 36th overall in the 2017 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts and signed with the team on May 24, 2017.[1] He made his professional debut on June 25, 2017, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Over three seasons, he played in 36 regular season games, recording 14 defensive tackles, 30 special teams tackles, two quarterback sacks, and one forced fumble. On May 4, 2020, Onyeka was released by the Argonauts.[2]
Saskatchewan Roughriders
editOn May 19, 2020, Onyeka signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[3] He signed a one-year contract extension with the team on December 22, 2020.[4] He was released on July 20, 2021.[5]
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
editOn July 24, 2021, it was announced that Onyeka had signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[6] He played in two games for the team and spent time on the practice roster before being released on October 4, 2021.[7]
Saskatchewan Roughriders (II)
editOn October 28, 2021, it was announced that Onyeka had re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[8]
Edmonton Elks
editOnyeka signed with the Edmonton Elks to open free agency on February 8, 2022 to a three-year contract.[9] However, it was announced that he had retired on March 18, 2022.[10]
Personal life
editOnyeka is the cousin of defensive end Kene Onyeka and defensive back Godfrey Onyeka, both of whom also play in the Canadian Football League.[11] He is of Nigerian descent.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Argos sign all six members of 2017 CFL Draft class". Toronto Argonauts. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ "Argos acquire draft rights to Niko DiFonte". Toronto Argonauts press release. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- ^ "Riders sign Nakas Onyeka". Saskatchewan Roughriders. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ "Riders sign pair of Canadians to contract extensions". CFL.ca. December 22, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ "Riders Transactions – July 20". Riderville.com. July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ "Blue Bombers sign LB Nakas Onyeka". Canadian Football League. July 28, 2021.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ "Riders bring back National LB Nakas Onyeka". Canadian Football League. October 28, 2021.
- ^ "Elks add Nakas Onyeka". Edmonton Elks. February 8, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
- ^ "Linebacker Nakas Onyeka announces retirement". Canadian Football League. March 18, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian linebacker Nakas Onyeka agrees to terms with Saskatchewan Roughriders". 3DownNation. 18 May 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
- ^ Hogan, Mike (23 January 2019). "Nakas Onyeka: A Student and a Teacher". Toronto Argonauts. Retrieved 11 March 2020.