Jeff Otah

Jeffrey C. Otah (born June 17, 1986) is a Nigerian American football offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Panthers 19th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh.

Early years
He moved to The Bronx at the age of seven, then moved to New Castle, Delaware at the age of thirteen. He played high school football at William Penn High School in New Castle, Delaware.

2008 NFL Draft
Coming in the 2008 NFL Draft Otah was considered by many scouts to be a top tackle prospect. The Carolina Panthers were reportedly very interested in him, evident by them sending head coach John Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney to his pro-day.

Carolina Panthers
Reports of the Panthers being interested in Otah proved to be well founded after the team made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to trade up and to select him. He was selected with the 19th pick in the first round. Jeff became an immediate starter at right tackle early in training camp. He started in 12 of the possible 16 games his first season missing 4 due to injury.

Otah started the 2010 season recovering from what was then thought to be relatively minor knee surgery performed in mid-August. But on 9 November, the Panthers placed Otah on injured reserve, ending his season without him ever taking the field.