Akin Ayodele

 Akinola James "Akin" Ayodele (born September 17, 1979 in Irving, Texas) is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.

Ayodele has also been a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and the Denver Broncos.

College career
Ayodele was a three-year starter at defensive end at Purdue University, after transferring from Coffeyville Community College. He finished his career with 194 tackles (131 solo), 29 sacks, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 11 pass deflections. He was named the Jimmy Rogers, Jr. Most Valuable Lineman at the 2001 Wells Fargo Sun Bowl.

Ayodele was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference as a senior and second-team All-Conference as a sophomore and junior. He is tied with Jeff Zgonina for second on Purdue's career-record list with 29 sacks, topped only by Rosevelt Colvin with 33.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Ayodele played four seasons at outside linebacker for the Jaguars, recording his best season in 2003 with 115 total tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.

Dallas Cowboys
In 2006, Ayodele signed a five year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, and was converted to inside linebacker to help shore up their run defense. Coincidentally, as a child growing up in Irving, Ayodele was a ball boy for the Cowboys.

Miami Dolphins
On April 25, 2008, Ayodele was traded along with tight end Anthony Fasano to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a fourth-round pick (100th Overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was released on March 5, 2010.

Denver Broncos
Ayodele signed with the Denver Broncos on April 24, 2010. He was assigned number 51 on April 29, 2010. He was then released by the Denver Broncos on August 24, 2010.

Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills signed Akin Ayodele to take the spot of LB Kawika Mitchell after the team placed him on IR. He will switch to number 50 with the Bills.

Personal
"Akin" is a short name for "Akinola", which in Yoruba language means 'undefeated warrior'. He is of Nigerian descent. He is the older brother of NFL defensive tackle Remi Ayodele.