Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ola Adeniyi has announced his retirement from the NFL after five seasons in the league.
Adeniyi was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States as a child. He played his college ball at Toledo, where he was a standout in 2017, tallying 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
He went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Steelers, where he spent three seasons. Adeniyi also played with the Tennessee Titans for two seasons.
Here's what he wrote on Instagram on Wednesday:
"Coming to America, football was never part of the plan. My dream was to become the next Ronaldinho—I know, it sounds funny now, but that was the goal. Then, a few fast food restaurants killed that dream, but they sparked a new one.
"Football has taken me places I never imagined. From earning a full-ride scholarship to playing multiple years in the league, I can walk this earth knowing I’m part of the 1%. The game has given me a foundation to tackle any obstacle life throws my way, and it has blessed me with some of the best relationships and brotherhoods a man could ask for.
"When I decided to leave school early and chase this new dream, I knew it would be an uphill battle. But I never wavered. I put my head down and worked, determined to reach a goal few ever achieve—playing double-digit years in the NFL.
"Today, I can finally say that journey is over. God has a way of showing you when it’s time to pivot and start anew. The 26-year-old me is grateful for what the 20-year-old me accomplished. Now, it’s time for a new chapter.
"I will forever be grateful to the game that changed not just my life, but my family’s as well. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers for taking a chance on a young Nigerian kid, and to the Tennessee Titans for allowing that kid to grow and develop into a young man. I’m truly excited for what’s next.
"#92 out."
Adeniyi appeared in 32 games over three seasons with the Steelers, where he became a stand out on special teams.
He moved on to play for the Titans in 2021, signing with the team in free agency. But he suffered a neck injury in 2022 and was waived later in the season. Adeniyi planned on signing with the Steelers after that but failed his physical.
We wish Adeniyi the best in his post-playing career.
