Efe Obada

Efe Obada (born April 13, 1992) is a Nigerian-born, English American football defensive end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He did not play college football and became the first international player to go straight from an American football European league to the NFL.

Early years
At the age of 10, Obada and his sister were trafficked from the Netherlands (where they moved from Nigeria at the age of 8) into England and left homeless as soon as they arrived in London. They initially slept rough, then in an office block, then with a family friend, before living in 10 different foster homes. He eventually worked as a security guard at Grace Foods in Welwyn Garden City.

In 2014, Obada began playing for the London Warriors of the British American Football Association National Leagues. He appeared in 5 games, while playing tight end and defensive end.

Dallas Cowboys
Based on a recommendation from Warriors defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who previously served as an intern coach with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, Obada was given the opportunity to work out for the team days before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Although he was raw and didn't have much experience, he was signed as an undrafted free agent on April 1, 2015.

In rookie mini-camp he was tried on the first days at tight end, before the team decided to move him to defensive end, where the learning curve would not be as steep. He was waived on September 5. On September 23, he was signed to the Cowboys' practice squad. On October 7, he was released to make room for linebacker Keith Smith. On December 2, he was re-signed to the practice squad. He was waived on March 2, 2016.

Kansas City Chiefs
Obada was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on March 9, 2016. He was released by the team on June 7.

Atlanta Falcons
On July 28, 2016, he was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived on August 27.

Carolina Panthers
On May 25, 2017, Obada was signed by the Carolina Panthers, through the new NFL's International Player Pathway program, that guaranteed him a position on the team, after it granted an 11th practice squad slot to all four NFC South clubs (the division was selected in a random draw), so they could sign an international player. As part of the program conditions, he was ineligible to be promoted to the 53-man roster during the regular season. He was waived by the Panthers on September 1, 2017, and was re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 8, 2018.

After a strong preseason, Obada became the first player from the NFL International Pathway program to make a 53-man roster. In Week 3, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Obada played his first regular season game, where he had one sack and one interception. He was later awarded the game ball, and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with eight combined tackles and two sacks.

On January 23, 2019, Obada signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers.

On July 19, 2019 Obada Was Featured in All or Nothing Amazon Prime series, which showcased his difficult journey to the NFL and his first game.

Personal life
Obada is close to his sister and his wife, and has refused to divulge any information about them.