Fam,
As the roar of MetLife Stadium echoes across the Meadowlands, we at Tribes of Andrew take immense pride in celebrating three exceptional players who carry the spirit of Nigeria onto the New York Jets’ gridiron. These warriors represent more than just Gang Green—they embody our heritage, our resilience, and the unbreakable bond between the diaspora and our motherland.
Olumuyiwa “Olu” Fashanu (#74), whose very name proclaims his Yoruba heritage, is the Jets’ prized first-round pick from the 2024 draft, selected 11th overall. Born in Waldorf, Maryland on December 9, 2002, this 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle is a prince in more ways than one. His father Anthony, grew up in Nigeria before immigrating to the United States, while his mother Paige was a shot put athlete in Nigeria. The couple’s journey from Nigeria through different continents to America shaped Olu’s understanding of legacy and purpose. Now in his second season with the Jets, this young giant signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $20.5 million rookie contract and has already proven his worth. After filling in at right tackle early in the season, Fashanu was named the starting left tackle in Week 11 following an injury, protecting the franchise’s most precious assets with the skill and determination that flows through Nigerian blood. His consensus All-American honors at Penn State were just a preview of the greatness to come.
Kene Nwangwu (#34), the electrifying running back and special teams maestro whose parents Jerome and Ogonna immigrated from Nnewi, a thriving industrial city in southeastern Nigeria, nearly 30 years ago. Both his parents hold degrees in nursing and instilled in Kene the Nigerian values of hard work, education, and excellence. Originally drafted 119th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, Kene found his true home when he signed with the Jets’ practice squad in September 2024. On December 1, 2024, in his very first appearance in Gang Green, Nwangwu announced his arrival with a spectacular 99-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks—a moment that electrified MetLife Stadium and reminded everyone why Nigerian athletes are forces of nature. He was promoted to the active roster the very next day, and in March 2025, the Jets wisely re-signed him to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. In his limited 2025 appearances, he already has two kickoff return touchdowns in six games with the Jets. Despite being hampered by a hamstring injury and concussion this season, when healthy, this speedster is one of the league’s most dangerous returners, capable of changing games in the blink of an eye.
Chukwuma Okorafor (#79), the veteran offensive tackle who brings authentic Nigerian roots directly from the motherland, was born in Nigeria on August 8, 1997, and lived in South Africa and Botswana before his family emigrated to the United States in 2010. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, this Western Michigan product was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (92nd overall) in 2018 and started 59 of 77 games over six seasons with Pittsburgh, primarily at right tackle. His journey from Nigeria through multiple African nations to American football glory exemplifies the global reach of Nigerian excellence. After a challenging 2024 season with the New England Patriots that was shortened by circumstances, Okorafor signed with the Jets on March 12, 2025, on a one-year, $1.3 million contract with $757,500 guaranteed. Now entering his eighth NFL season, this warrior is hungry to prove that setbacks are merely setups for powerful comebacks—a lesson learned from Nigerian perseverance. He was a two-time All-MAC selection and earned All-American recognition at Western Michigan, and he brings valuable veteran leadership and depth to the Jets’ offensive line.
From all of us in the New York/New Jersey diaspora community, we say Ẹ ku àbọ̀—welcome home, champions! May this season bring you health, victories that shake MetLife Stadium to its foundation, and the strength of our ancestors guiding every snap. You carry our names, our pride, and our dreams every time you step onto that sacred turf.
J-E-T-S, Naija Style!