Panthers defensive end Efe Obada’s story of how he got to the NFL is an incredible one. Obada was born in Nigeria but found himself in London at the age of 10 with his younger sister.
A stranger brought the two there and was supposed to take care of them, but instead he left them to take care of themselves. Obada opened up and offered some details about his childhood in a recent interview with Donald McRae from The Guardian.
“I have to sort out some of these issues so I can articulate it – or even understand how I feel about it because sometimes you just grow numb to it. You get desensitised. But I’m very protective of my sister.”
Fortunately for Obada, he was able to remain with his sister as they were in and out of foster homes throughout their childhood. Obada eventually found himself involved in a gang.
“It’s very easy to fall into gang life if you’re not getting support or belonging at home. It’s human nature. . . You look up to the wrong people because you feel they will help you survive.”
After losing some friends, Obada got out of that life and then was exposed to American football at the age of 21. Obada started out playing for the London Warriors and sooner after found himself trying out for the Dallas Cowboys. He didn’t last long there or with the Atlanta Falcons.
His opportunity with the Panthers came through the NFL’s International Pathway Program and so far he’s proven to be the ultimate success story for the initiative.
Last season, he recorded eight tackles, two sacks and an interception. He recently re-signed on a one-year deal.
