Osi Umenyiora

Ositadimma "Osi" Umenyiora (born November 16, 1981) is a British-born American football defensive end for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Umenyiora is one of three British-born players to have won a Super Bowl ring, joining Scott McCready and Giants teammate Lawrence Tynes. He missed the 2008 season, undergoing surgery for knee cartilage damage suffered during an exhibition against the New York Jets. Umenyiora has been selected for the Pro Bowl twice, and holds the Giants franchise record for most sacks in one game, coming against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007.

Early years
Umenyiora was born in Golders Green, London to Nigerian parents. His family moved back to Nigeria and later to Auburn, Alabama, where he started playing football in high school. He is of Igbo descent, and his full first name means in Igbo "from today things will be good".

He attended the average Atlantic Hall in Epe, Lagos. Later he attended Auburn High School with Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

College career
At Troy University, Umenyiora became a starter at defensive end in his junior year after starting his career as a defensive tackle. He shifted to nose guard as a sophomore. He started 36 of 48 games for the Trojans.

In 2002, as a senior, he was honorable mention All-American after starting every game at right defensive end.

2003
Umenyiora was drafted in the 2nd round (56th pick overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Troy State University, now Troy University. He was number 72. As a rookie in 2003, he played in 13 games with one start.

2005
Umenyiora established himself as a premier pass rusher in 2005, his first year as a starter. His stellar play earned All-Pro recognition and a trip to the Pro Bowl. Umenyiora achieved 14.5 sacks and 70 tackles, second only to the sixteen sacks obtained by Derrick Burgess of the Oakland Raiders.

On December 23, 2005, the Giants signed Umenyiora to a six-year contract extension for $41 million with $15 million guaranteed.

2006
In 2006, Umenyiora started 11 regular season games (missing 5 games with a strained hip flexor) and the NFC Wild Card Game at right defensive end.

2007
In the fourth game of the 2007 season, Umenyiora set a Giants franchise record by recording six sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles. At that point in the season, the Giants had 12 sacks, tying the NFL record. He recorded his second career touchdown on October 21 against the San Francisco 49ers when he sacked Trent Dilfer, forced a fumble, recovered the fumble and ran 75 yards for the score.

By the end of the season, Umenyiora's 13 sacks helped the Giants to an NFL regular season-leading 53 sacks. The Giants had a surprise victory in Super Bowl XLII over the New England Patriots, in part because of their strong pass rush performance. Umenyiora had four tackles in that game, three of which were solos. Umenyiora made a second Pro Bowl appearance in 2007.

2008
During a preseason game against the New York Jets, Umenyiora suffered cartilage damage in his left knee and was required to undergo season-ending surgery. The finding by team physician Dr. Russell Warren was that Umenyiora suffered a torn lateral meniscus.

Umenyiora joined ESPN's Monday Night Football crew on October 13, 2008.

2010
On November 5, 2010, Osi Umenyiora was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after recording 18 tackles (10 solo), 7.0 sacks, and six forced fumbles in the Giants' four October wins. Umenyiora and teammate Justin Tuck recorded 11.5 sacks for the year, and combined for 16 forced fumbles.

2011
On July 29, 2011, Umenyiora did not report on the opening day of the Giants' training camp. As a result the Giants placed him on Reserve/Did Not Report. He reported to camp late the following day. Umenyiora has claimed that general manager Jerry Reese promised to renegotiate his contract after the 2010 season, but failed to do so.

Umenyiora began practicing with his teammates on August 15, but after three practices he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The team expected him to miss the season opener against the Washington Redskins on September 11. In fact, he did not make his 2011 season debut until October 2, a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Phoenix.

Statistics
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Personal life
Umenyiora resides in Cleveland, Georgia and Edgewater, New Jersey. In 2008, he made a cameo appearance in the music video "I Luv Your Girl" by The-Dream. Umenyiora is one of only three British-born players to win a Super Bowl, along with Scott McCready and teammate Lawrence Tynes.

In February 2013, he became engaged to Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes.