He Didn’t Play Football Until Age 23… then Became the NFL’s Most Intimidating Player

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • Thank you to SeatGeek for sponsoring this video! Use code KTO for $20 off your first order. seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/KTO
    Christian Okoye was a near 260 pound runningback who took the NFL by storm in the late 80's... yet he didn't play a down of football until he was 23 years old. Find out his story in this video.
    Welcome to my channel! My videos are all things football. Hypothetical scenarios, game and player breakdowns, predictions, and football stories. If you like my videos be sure to subscribe and let me know what you think down below!
    Outro- The Fix by Aldous Young
  • Sport

Komentáře • 1,3K

  • @KTOfootball
    @KTOfootball  Před rokem +569

    I have one story to help add to how incredible Okoye's rise to stardom was.
    I played runningback in high school and we had an African refugee join the varsity football team as a Senior. With almost no understanding of the game, coach put him with us runningbacks and I took on the roll of trying to help him learn. He barely spoke any English.
    Man… trying to teach him the basics was a challenge. With a language barrier and all the little nuances of football, that kid didn't stand a chance. Running reps at full speed in practice almost always resulted in coaches stopping the play and trying to explain to him what to do. If I remember correctly, he only got a handful of snaps the entire season and the plays called were simple dives and blasts. He was a really nice guy, but it's tough to learn a new sport in a few months. Especially when that sport is football at the high school varsity level.
    The fact that Christian Okoye didn't play a down of organized football until he was 23, and then quickly achieved the success he did is truly remarkable.

    • @mrnicegaming1417
      @mrnicegaming1417 Před rokem +7

      Hi kto

    • @colinbrett4983
      @colinbrett4983 Před rokem +6

      Yo

    • @tantheman8229
      @tantheman8229 Před rokem +9

      @KTO The Nigerian nightmare! How do you think he compares to mike alstott?

    • @pjw-
      @pjw- Před rokem +8

      @@tantheman8229 both are legends, but i feel like okoye was more dominant during his career

    • @platinumdiamond1445
      @platinumdiamond1445 Před rokem +9

      KTO when you referenced Tecmo Super Bowl there were 28 teams in that game all the current teams. You meant the original Tecmo Bowl where K.C wasn't in. still a solid vid tho

  • @AWDTalon92
    @AWDTalon92 Před rokem +11

    This man right here is why I became a Chiefs fan in my early teens. People would ask, "why in the world is a boy from Miami rooting for the Chiefs?" "The Nigerian Nightmare" was the answer.

  • @mikeybarboza3086
    @mikeybarboza3086 Před rokem +1212

    I played rb from the age of 8 through middle and high school and division 1 college at UMass and the fact that this man led the NFL in rushing without knowing the difference between a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense is absolutely insane. Depending on the defense the plays and holes that are schemed open are completely different or where cut backs should be. It's literally insane he was able to do what he was able to do. If he had played as an amateur he would've been even more insane. My father used to show me film of Okoye and tell me if you're not going to be a speed back (bc I was chunky as a kid) this is what I needed to be when I first started little league in 95'

    • @grimtea1715
      @grimtea1715 Před rokem +17

      When did you go to UMass?

    • @wrenstark6320
      @wrenstark6320 Před rokem +53

      @@grimtea1715 if he was in little league in 95’ I’d guess around the late 2000s/ early 2010s

    • @grimtea1715
      @grimtea1715 Před rokem +7

      @@wrenstark6320 ah shit that does sound about right

    • @Gulag00
      @Gulag00 Před rokem +18

      @@wrenstark6320 I’m gonna assume he’s born in ‘87 so it would prob be 05-09

    • @userknonothing
      @userknonothing Před rokem +18

      O yea, Umass....cool. Me too, waterboy

  • @lastsinnersa8002
    @lastsinnersa8002 Před rokem +423

    A great example of genetics/natural talent being only part of the package. His willingness to continually learn and not take his opportunity for granted is what really set him apart.

    • @slappyhappy6192
      @slappyhappy6192 Před rokem +12

      No
      His genetics did it all

    • @tigermachine6471
      @tigermachine6471 Před rokem +5

      He seems like a great person too, humble all the way from beginning to end. Size,power,& a smile! Winning combination!

    • @F-Tier_Physique
      @F-Tier_Physique Před rokem +6

      That and very lenient drug testing protocols in the NFL.

    • @CG-xx2er
      @CG-xx2er Před rokem +6

      @@slappyhappy6192 definitely not, people use that as en excuse

    • @michaelsandoval9930
      @michaelsandoval9930 Před rokem

      @@slappyhappy6192 k

  • @generalkenobi5533
    @generalkenobi5533 Před rokem +403

    Ziggy Ansah had a similar story. Came to the US from Ghana to go to BYU and had a track scholarship. Dream was to play college basketball but was cut as a walk-on. Someone said "Hey, you're a 270 lb freak of nature with sprinter speed, you should be a football player". He had never even seen an American football game. Ended up walking onto the football team, two years later he was a 5th overall pick and went on to be a pro bowler for the Lions.

    • @honeybadger0562
      @honeybadger0562 Před rokem +53

      I didn’t know black people could go to BYU

    • @thetk9145
      @thetk9145 Před rokem

      @@honeybadger0562 only foreign black people

    • @jok3r906
      @jok3r906 Před rokem +7

      Not to mention that Ziggy was kind of a bust...

    • @generalkenobi5533
      @generalkenobi5533 Před rokem +40

      @@jok3r906 I literally just said he was a pro bowler. He had some injuries and the Lions were awful when he was there, but he had some really solid years in Detroit.

    • @aaronbison8202
      @aaronbison8202 Před rokem +15

      @@jok3r906 im a lions fan ZIGGY WAS A MONSTER just injuries kills peoples careers you know and also lions just can never get things right but at least we are humble and know what we are lol

  • @ManSittinNext2DaMan
    @ManSittinNext2DaMan Před rokem +27

    Let's not forget the incredible backfield duo the Chiefs had with Okoye and Barry Word. NOBODY wanted to tackle either one of those guys.

    • @Redmenace96
      @Redmenace96 Před rokem +1

      Excellent comment.

    • @tedcolby172
      @tedcolby172 Před 4 měsíci

      Steve Atwater would beg to differ with you, he embarrassed Okoye and knocked him backward on his butt on Monday night football.

  • @Tincan53
    @Tincan53 Před rokem +34

    Being coached by Marty Schottenheimer, you couldn’t wish for a better team to be on. Marty was a rushing genius and pounded up and down the field every week. Pure gold.

    • @dwightlove3704
      @dwightlove3704 Před rokem

      Ever heard of Bill Parcells

    • @Methadone4Life
      @Methadone4Life Před rokem +1

      Yes, Schottenheimer, loved the way he coached the old smashmouth way and I still think that today, especially with the defenses today, that if a team has a good fullback, solid halfback and line up in the power I and just smash defenses it would still work even better with these defenses spread out to protect the pass it would be insane not to mention setting up the play-action to be deadly efficient, this eats clock and helps the defense. 3 yards and a cloud of dust...gotta love it!!!

    • @dwightlove3704
      @dwightlove3704 Před rokem

      @@Methadone4Life He and Parcells were THREE YDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST in the '80s

  • @user-nd7rd8jo6h
    @user-nd7rd8jo6h Před rokem +9

    Okoye: " 3-4? 4-3? Both equal 7 to me "

  • @FarEastCarl
    @FarEastCarl Před rokem +72

    he’s in the end-zone celebrating with the o-line and you can’t tell who’s who. Few humans are built like him

  • @michaeldineenSG2018
    @michaeldineenSG2018 Před rokem +11

    I trained some of the Chiefs. One night in 1999 Christian Okoye called me and we talked for an hour and a half. What a kind soul. One of coolest things in my life.

  • @kanone_69
    @kanone_69 Před rokem +3

    Atwater was so lucky on that play. Okoye was off of his feet. Great timing lol

  • @AI-mg3hy
    @AI-mg3hy Před rokem +261

    My dad has always been a Seahawks fan, so when Dave Krieg moved to KC we watched the Chiefs games that year too. Watching Okoye is one of the reasons I became a Chiefs fan, along with Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith. The next year Okoye was gone and I was young enough to not really wonder what happened and distracted by Joe frickin Montana so I hadn't thought much about him until now. Thanks for filling us in!

    • @yellow8412
      @yellow8412 Před rokem +3

      Smh bruh u should’ve been a hawks fan

    • @AI-mg3hy
      @AI-mg3hy Před rokem +3

      @@yellow8412 bro I am and it's already hard when they play each other but not as hard when they were both in afc west

    • @yellow8412
      @yellow8412 Před rokem +4

      @@AI-mg3hy oh ur a fan of both yeah I hate when the hawks play the chiefs too… not bc I’m a Chiefs fan just bc the hawks always lose😂

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes Před rokem +3

      gawd i wish okoye had a chance to play with Montana

    • @Redmenace96
      @Redmenace96 Před rokem +1

      Not as young as you, but when I saw him run? I became a Chiefs fan.

  • @alexanderblackburn4520
    @alexanderblackburn4520 Před rokem +92

    If he grew up around football, he could have been one of the greatest to ever play

    • @ghostsnipertrue
      @ghostsnipertrue Před rokem +5

      If his stamina for football lasted that long, I fear his boredom MAY have caught on too soon gfor hi to reach goat level praise, or I'm just blowing smoke up my ass, who knows?

    • @johntabler349
      @johntabler349 Před rokem +4

      Likely as a tight end though

    • @crazyralph6386
      @crazyralph6386 Před rokem +8

      Possibly however, if he started playing earlier, the likelihood of nagging injuries due to playing in a contact sport before making it to the pros, would’ve been tenfold compared to track and field?

  • @poiny91
    @poiny91 Před rokem +20

    I love seeing Atwater in interviews about that tackle...he's humble about it, cause some time after the game he found out that Okoye's wife had a miscarriage. So he believes he wasn't facing a full strength Nigerian Nightmare.

    • @dmvbay2535
      @dmvbay2535 Před rokem +3

      Also looks liek Okoye suffered a concussion there..the way his leg was in the air after the hit.

  • @jamesmitchell3615
    @jamesmitchell3615 Před rokem +5

    That was my guy back in the day, the "Nigerian Nightmare" was a beast in the NFL.
    Him and Barry Word in the Kansas City Chief's backfield was a problem I'm telling you. They just didn't have the overall team but they were very good.
    Back in the day playing with him on Super Tecmo Bowl was no joke, if you know you know lol!!!💯

  • @thenextsteveblackman
    @thenextsteveblackman Před rokem +122

    I loved playing as the Chiefs in Tecmo Super Bowl. Choose a run play for Okoye and watch would be tacklers bounce of him like ping pong balls.

    • @madmanszalinski
      @madmanszalinski Před rokem +9

      Against the colts or patriots when he's in excellent condition and nobody on either defense has enough stats to stop him

    • @jameslookstwice
      @jameslookstwice Před rokem +4

      I said the same things lol great game

    • @DMBlade4
      @DMBlade4 Před rokem +7

      Then you turn on the game and watch him actually do that to human beings

    • @Giantsfanlewis
      @Giantsfanlewis Před rokem +1

      ​@@DMBlade4 though sadly you didn't though because he was Belo average 2/3rds of his entire career.

    • @BlvdTodd
      @BlvdTodd Před rokem +2

      FAKZ. 💯

  • @OGDeepStroke
    @OGDeepStroke Před rokem +267

    Steve Atwater. 6’3 and 220 lbs. 1,000 solo tackles. 8 Pro Bowls and 2 Super Bowl Rings.
    A force.

    • @floridaman5125
      @floridaman5125 Před rokem +10

      Hello fellow Hog fan!

    • @vince01lp
      @vince01lp Před rokem +15

      And Hall of Famer!

    • @ACLA23
      @ACLA23 Před rokem +12

      Yeah he mentioned he was smaller than okoyr but didn’t mention Atwater was massive for his position

    • @Dutchovenderlinde
      @Dutchovenderlinde Před rokem +10

      One of my top 5 Broncos of all time. He actually knocked out three guys (including himself) in one play in Super Bowl XXXII. Just insane.

    • @samuel_shemire
      @samuel_shemire Před rokem +9

      He didn't end okoye with that hit tho. Okoye second best season was the next year after that hit.

  • @pjw-
    @pjw- Před rokem +13

    dudes an athletic freak and starting at 23 is insane, dude really lucked out

  • @lukeontheplains
    @lukeontheplains Před rokem +97

    Nobody remembers all the times Okoye mowed down Atwater. They just remember the crazy time it went the other way. Just another way we know how crazy Okoye was.

    • @goldenageofdinosaurs7192
      @goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Před rokem +7

      I was just watching some old highlights (I think it might’ve been the chiefs ‘The Franchise’ program) & they showed a couple shots Okoye took that were just as hard as the Atwater hit. I think the fact that it happened on MNF that made everyone remember it. Like you mentioned, I also remember Okoye mowing down Atwater on several occasions. Those runs always stuck in my head cause Atwater was such a great player & as a Chiefs fan, I absolutely hated him🤣

    • @brandynhenry7107
      @brandynhenry7107 Před rokem

      Do you remember all the times okoye fumbled lol? Of course you dont

    • @lukeontheplains
      @lukeontheplains Před rokem +13

      @@brandynhenry7107 just now looked it up. All 27 of his fumbles happened before I was born, so I do not in fact remember all the times he fumbled lol

    • @Giantsfanlewis
      @Giantsfanlewis Před rokem

      ​@@brandynhenry7107 yeah kto made these guys think okoye was some hall of fame when the dude was barely breaking 500 yards on average

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes Před rokem +3

      @@Giantsfanlewis cry harder

  • @bb-double-yuh
    @bb-double-yuh Před rokem +92

    Imagine being a running back, working for a dream that you've worked from junior high to the college ranks for, and after you make it, some guy comes from a different planet, doesn't have the same background or even knowledge comes in and does better than you. Crazy story.

  • @scizorbullet8185
    @scizorbullet8185 Před rokem +56

    Christian is very important to NFL history. He was the OG international icon in the NFL now the NFL is trying i hard to expand and I believe its because of his success

    • @samuel_shemire
      @samuel_shemire Před rokem +1

      yh, just like hakeem olajuwon was to basketball in at least Nigeria, nott really sure about Africa.

    • @unkledoda420
      @unkledoda420 Před rokem +1

      so you think the NFL trying to expand now is because of a RB from 30-35 years ago?

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes Před rokem +8

      @@unkledoda420 way to completely miss the point 🤡

    • @mrdesertfox1966
      @mrdesertfox1966 Před rokem

      @@unkledoda420 Biggest highlight is the "NFLs most intimidating player" getting smacked by a safety 30 lbs lighter than him.
      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @mtb416
      @mtb416 Před rokem

      Why would he come here? I can’t imagine how terribly racist the US was back then, let alone now! And to think he got an education and was welcomed with opened arms?! Racists everywhere, I tell you!

  • @trumpetperson11
    @trumpetperson11 Před rokem +13

    Honestly, I imagine that his past led to why he was always a humble player and accepting of coaching. Its easy to see how some nfl players can be pretty headstrong, when you think about how, at pretty much any point of their life up until NFL, they have been the best at what they do. Likely the best player on their HS team, the best player in their position in college, and further ego bolstered by a NFL draft selection. Okoye knew he had the protentional, and was lacking the game knowledge, so he listened to his coaches and never took his physical skills for granted. Now he seems like a really chill guy, and I have a feeling that not getting gassed up as a kid probably helped with that.

  • @JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly

    In all of these stories, two constants are present: hard work and determination.

    • @taylor6618
      @taylor6618 Před rokem +7

      And being gifted with great genetics.

    • @futtile2995
      @futtile2995 Před rokem +1

      @@taylor6618 and steroids

  • @OwenTroesch
    @OwenTroesch Před rokem +22

    I remember him playing with Barry word and my god, 2 big power backs coming downhill each play

    • @Rathspaz
      @Rathspaz Před rokem +6

      My favorite combo in Tecmo Super Bowl.

    • @nickvoelker7180
      @nickvoelker7180 Před rokem

      They're my favorite backfield duo of all time. Smash and smash harder.

    • @wankertanker1813
      @wankertanker1813 Před rokem

      That's the other guy!
      I remember them playing the Packers and either one just dominating the Packers defense back and forth. 6, 7, 8 yards regularly. It's like, could they ever get them to third down to force a pass?

  • @poindextertunes
    @poindextertunes Před rokem +13

    I was born in ‘86 and have been a Chiefs fan my entire life. Okoye’s oversized shoulder pads are some of my earliest memories of watching football. Great intro to the sport

  • @DS-ik6cr
    @DS-ik6cr Před rokem +5

    I remember that Atwater hit when I was kid. If I’m not mistaken, I believe Okoye trucked Atwater later in that same game.

  • @GrantOakes
    @GrantOakes Před rokem +45

    I'm a Broncos fan and I hated him, but Okoye as a person and an athlete, you have to love him!

    • @jakestocker4854
      @jakestocker4854 Před rokem +6

      It's alright, we get to enjoy that career ending hit from Atwater. Dude was never the same after.

    • @marshmangunnar9150
      @marshmangunnar9150 Před rokem +3

      Smiling Assassin!!! That was great

    • @lawschoolpro
      @lawschoolpro Před rokem

      Right! Respect.

    • @GrantOakes
      @GrantOakes Před rokem +2

      @@marshmangunnar9150 You must be a Broncos fan because no one else would know Atwater had that nickname.

    • @loadedwinchester2494
      @loadedwinchester2494 Před rokem +1

      @@GrantOakes bet Christian knows it

  • @logicallgaming
    @logicallgaming Před rokem +7

    Okoye really is like the best comp for derrick Henry. The way they play and their style is the exact same.

    • @jgrizzy
      @jgrizzy Před rokem

      Huh??? Henry plays SOFT compared to the NN.... yall need to stop Henry plays soft..mainly stiff arms

  • @nistral
    @nistral Před rokem +35

    cannot imagine how scary seeing this man running at you with his shoulder lowered must have been

    • @clayjohnson5812
      @clayjohnson5812 Před rokem

      The redskins wasn't scared of him.They was popping the shit out of him.They broke the shit out his big ass.

  • @Squirrelbait98
    @Squirrelbait98 Před rokem +18

    I had the privilege to meet this great man a year back and I can not believe how nice this man was(I’m not even a chiefs fan but I love the dude)

  • @RaiderClarke312
    @RaiderClarke312 Před rokem +2

    I loved Watching
    Christian Okoye and Barry Word playing Running Back for Kansas City Chiefs.
    They Both were Nightmares
    when running the with the Football.

  • @MrWaifuTaker
    @MrWaifuTaker Před rokem +45

    Okoye's a monster running back. I read that Kwazi Mbutabe from the Blitz: The League Duology is based off Okoye as well.

  • @lukerandle7752
    @lukerandle7752 Před rokem +70

    My professor was the play by play commentator at Azusa Pacific while Okoye was there - he never expected a player like that to come through

    • @YOSSARIAN313
      @YOSSARIAN313 Před rokem +8

      Having a dude that athletic would be completely unfair in the naia.

    • @rrojas0630
      @rrojas0630 Před rokem +3

      When I lived in Azusa, he was like a living legend out there.

    • @lukerandle7752
      @lukerandle7752 Před rokem

      @@YOSSARIAN313 that’s what he told me 😂

  • @david.tousignant20
    @david.tousignant20 Před rokem +31

    People who started late then became pro athletes like Okoye are super rare!
    The only other man I remember starting in his mid 20s, then becoming a prolific athlete is Rocky Marciano.
    Great video as always.

    • @upliftedxgod7701
      @upliftedxgod7701 Před rokem +3

      Dennis Rodman too

    • @david.tousignant20
      @david.tousignant20 Před rokem +3

      @@upliftedxgod7701
      Rodman gave up basketball after he graduated HS; then, he decided to came back after his sudden growth spurt.
      Rodman qualified for an other category. Players who became relevant after a growth spurt like McCallum.

    • @FTO9797
      @FTO9797 Před rokem +2

      @@david.tousignant20 u mean cj McCollum?

    • @poindextertunes
      @poindextertunes Před rokem

      definitely no the “only other” but ok

    • @david.tousignant20
      @david.tousignant20 Před rokem

      @@poindextertunes
      "I"

  • @brucelee5576
    @brucelee5576 Před rokem +7

    Kansas City had Okoye and Barry Word in the backfield at a time taking turns punishing linebackers.

  • @schubird43
    @schubird43 Před rokem +11

    That Okoye/Atwater hit is a good teachable moment for footwork and foot placement. I'm not a football analyst in any stretch of the imagination, I'm simply stating something I observed from this great video. If you look at Okoye, his feet are in front of his body as the hit is being made, while Atwater still has his feet behind him. I would wager that if it were the other way around, Okoye would have bulldozed Atwater and this would be a totally different story.

    • @mcmo49081
      @mcmo49081 Před rokem +1

      You are absolutely correct. I didn't even notice it, until you pointed it out. Okoye's feet were in front of him. Thank you.

  • @jamesbiering2589
    @jamesbiering2589 Před rokem +4

    The simple fact of this man being as great in NFL as he was and his whole story how he had no clue what football was till 21. This man deserves to be in NFL hall of Fame. He mighta not had typical Hof career but who else in the NFL could do that? How many other NFL players woulda gave up before or when they got to league? This is such an inspiration of being smart as well as being tough never giving up. Thanks for this video

  • @alexanderquintana8573
    @alexanderquintana8573 Před rokem +70

    He carried the Hope's of an entire generation of powerbacks

  • @drewberrynews3875
    @drewberrynews3875 Před rokem +5

    This guy was so fun to watch. His presence on the field changed the dynamic of the game. It's rare any more we see guys like Bettis, Alstot or Okoye. This guy had such raw tallent.

    • @thomasstafford8732
      @thomasstafford8732 Před rokem +2

      Ooook now we talking. I was hoping someone would mention my boy Jerome “the bus” Bettis. Mike Allstot was a beast also. More semi-modern day but nonetheless savages in their own right ya know…

    • @Redmenace96
      @Redmenace96 Před rokem

      Not rare. Extinct. I don't know if NFL offense may swing the other way, but the age of the FB is over. 30 carries was big load in the 80's, but happened most weeks. Now? 18 carries is considered a hero.

  • @LaneTheBrane
    @LaneTheBrane Před rokem +3

    I grew up a Denver fan in Kansas City and will never forget when Steve Atwater knocked Okoye clean, blew the sports world's mind

  • @Pranaynaynay
    @Pranaynaynay Před rokem +8

    Watched the rerun of his 'A Football Life' episode a few weeks back. Such a cool story

  • @jkhdfkjashdfk
    @jkhdfkjashdfk Před rokem +14

    I love that Barry Sanders had 90 fewer carries than Okoye in 1989 and only lost the rushing title by 10 yards. Sanders actually played a later game in the final week and had a chance to get the title. He said he didn’t care about individual accolades, so he sat out the 4th quarter because his team was way ahead.

    • @wood4278
      @wood4278 Před rokem +3

      Really...this isn't about Barry Sanders let other people have a moment Barry gets enough praise

  • @conorlauren
    @conorlauren Před rokem +33

    One of the things about Okoye:
    I have never ever ever heard anybody who knew him say anything bad about him.
    He had that season where he was struggling and was brutalized by a public who did not know that his child died an hour after being born just prior to training camp.
    I’m a Raider through and through but Okoye is in my Top Ten favorite players of all time.
    I hated him. For all the right reasons. Because I love that man.

  • @Sldumas1983
    @Sldumas1983 Před rokem +5

    One of my top 3 power backs, Very humble and he had some nephews in the NFL but I am not sure if they are still playing. That hit from Steve was cool of course Christian had lost his baby so he wasn’t his self that game but great to watch and he reminded you of Earl Campbell

  • @aaronconnolly3072
    @aaronconnolly3072 Před rokem +20

    Between him and Mike Alstott are the 2 FB's you'd never want to face in a goalline situation.

    • @jliller
      @jliller Před rokem +2

      Larry Czonka too.

    • @jok3r906
      @jok3r906 Před rokem +2

      Imagine that backfield in a goal line situation

    • @YOSSARIAN313
      @YOSSARIAN313 Před rokem +2

      @@jliller czonka was smaller and slower than both

    • @fishflake1209
      @fishflake1209 Před rokem

      @@YOSSARIAN313 Czonka was 6’4”, 240.

    • @YOSSARIAN313
      @YOSSARIAN313 Před rokem +1

      @@fishflake1209 still smaller and much slower than both. That doesn't change. Csonka was no where close to running a 4.3. Csonka could not run fast enough to get to the second level of the defense in the modern era. He played in an era where the level of talent was SIGNIFICANTLY lower

  • @cullumsay171
    @cullumsay171 Před rokem +4

    This guy was a BEAST in tecmo bowl.

  • @iprodijay2864
    @iprodijay2864 Před rokem +6

    These videos are awesome. I’m a pretty young NFL fan so I wasn’t around during that era. But it’s always awesome to see older players from a previous era get their flowers

  • @johnblaze5252
    @johnblaze5252 Před rokem +2

    He had a backfield mate that was very scary in Barry Word. Barry Word was no joke & @ times was equally as scary.

  • @vesubioromo9425
    @vesubioromo9425 Před rokem +5

    Great production as always, man. I watched Okoye in his heyday but never knew the backstory. And I remember that Atwater hit. Blew me away.
    Looking at him in these clips I'm struck by how smilar his play was to Hershal Walker. Speed, build, toughness. Everything.

  • @maxp2305
    @maxp2305 Před rokem +4

    Growing up in a broncos household, that hit Atwater had on Okoye will live on forever. Not just because Atwater was the smilimg assassin, but because it was the hit that awoke you from the Nigerian Nightmare

    • @ericscitt4632
      @ericscitt4632 Před rokem +1

      I remember all of the pain he put on the broncos. Yes Atwater got him. Apparently you don't remember how many times he ran over Denver.

    • @samuel_shemire
      @samuel_shemire Před rokem +1

      His next best season, was the year after that hit. Atwater didn't do much to him. He lost his son like that week already. He wasn't really okay.

  • @stevenstrapponi2262
    @stevenstrapponi2262 Před rokem +1

    I didn't play till I was a freshman because I was always too heavy by 50ibs. I was 6'2 245 as a sophomore as a starting rb/fb/de. Senior year weighed 262 and ran for 800 yards 11 tds. Huge Running backs represent!

  • @Primespider44
    @Primespider44 Před rokem +1

    Hope things are well brotha! Keep killing it. Always excited for your in depth take on things I knew nothing about ❤️

  • @mentalhealthnetwork
    @mentalhealthnetwork Před rokem +3

    I remember Okoye when he played for the Chiefs. (Raiders fan at the time.)
    Watching him run was fun. It was like rooting for Barry Sanders.
    You knew something crazy could happen any second.

    • @chefmarcos
      @chefmarcos Před rokem

      Raiders fan “at the time”… wtf you are for life or not at all sucka!

  • @hubertsumlin9697
    @hubertsumlin9697 Před rokem +4

    I liked watching this cat play as a kid and I collected his cards. But I was young and had no idea about his background. This is impressive beyond belief! Excellent content, nice work.

    • @thomasstafford8732
      @thomasstafford8732 Před rokem +1

      Think me and you are on the same level. Like you I was aware of him and knew he definitely something special on that field BUT I also never knew his back story. Hell I just found out thanks to this guys video….

  • @sdlshow
    @sdlshow Před rokem +1

    The Nigerian Nightmare was one of my favorite growing up. That Steve Atwater play still legendary.

  • @shawnlowry5834
    @shawnlowry5834 Před rokem +2

    Loved watching him play when I was younger and did not know his history. Thanks for sharing.

  • @imthakrazy1706
    @imthakrazy1706 Před rokem +4

    I’m 17 so I never got to see him play but how I discovered him was playing tecmo bowl with my dad at age 5. I was addicted to playing with the chiefs because he was a beast on there.

    • @thomasstafford8732
      @thomasstafford8732 Před rokem +3

      Respect! Big props to your pops going old school with Tecmo Bowl and keeping it alive with the younger generation….

  • @mmgen1711
    @mmgen1711 Před rokem +6

    Nigerian Nightmare might be the best nickname in NFL history.

  • @nickh4363
    @nickh4363 Před rokem +1

    Your videos are always amazing man. And the outro is becoming iconic 🔥

  • @exdemocrat9038
    @exdemocrat9038 Před rokem +1

    Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing. I loved that era because of players like Okoye & Bo Jackson.

  • @Snavea311
    @Snavea311 Před rokem +7

    This is a really cool story! I love your vids

  • @jamesjoseph1249
    @jamesjoseph1249 Před rokem +3

    The late-80s/early-90s was a heck of a time to be a kid growing up in KC. I got to watch superfreak athletes Bo Jackson (playing on both the Royals and twice a year against the Chiefs) and Okoye. It really made you believe that Superman lived nearby.

  • @billkammermeier
    @billkammermeier Před rokem +2

    Ryan Clark on Willis McGahee was a bigger Safety on RB hit. That hit was unreal. You should do a video on that

  • @TheTEN24
    @TheTEN24 Před rokem +2

    His story always amazes me, great stuff as always KTO

  • @warthunderdude1347
    @warthunderdude1347 Před rokem +70

    The man literally lead the way for many other African players to play the game of football

    • @rtothemutha
      @rtothemutha Před rokem +1

      All started with the Power 22 Up The Gut

  • @gordtron
    @gordtron Před rokem +3

    buddy was in and out of the NFL like it was just some part time job he picked up for a while. what a beast.

  • @Coolbowser829
    @Coolbowser829 Před rokem +2

    I didn't know anything about this story. Wow! KTO with another banger of an upload 🔥

  • @xXNjxSniPeZXx
    @xXNjxSniPeZXx Před rokem +2

    On a side note, studying his brain is going to be a huge opportunity to research CTE. Either way it’s gonna cause a shockwave. If he has none it’s probably due to his late start and kids football might change drastically. If he does show signs, it’ll show how little time it takes playing football to develop CTE and make all ages second guess playing.

  • @robroberts1473
    @robroberts1473 Před rokem +7

    I watched that game when Atwater caught okoye, it was pretty obvious okoye was indecisive on either lowering his shoulder or making a cut. Too bad you didn't show either the next play or a couple of plays later when okoye wasnt. 😊

    • @idesiremore9607
      @idesiremore9607 Před rokem

      Not true! Okoye was going full speed and so was Atwater. Don’t make excuses for the guy! Lol he got lit up man vs man

  • @jarjarbinksgaming5601
    @jarjarbinksgaming5601 Před rokem +5

    KTO never stops dropping fire videos

  • @thenumberquelve158
    @thenumberquelve158 Před rokem +2

    That one hit is what pushed Steve Atwater over the top and into the Hall of Fame. Still took him quite a while to get in, but he is in.
    Okoye's such an interesting story. Hard to call such an absolute genetic beast a fairy tale, but in many ways that's exactly what his football life is. And he clearly never let it go to his head, judging by his post-football activities.
    I wish we had an explanation for why the Nigerian Olympic team did not select him. Oh well, like you said, it's a blessing in disguise; he was going to be a Nigerian national hero anyway, but now he gets to be a Nigerian national hero AND gain a ton of fans in the USA as well!

  • @Misslastate2001
    @Misslastate2001 Před rokem

    Sup KTO, glad to have another vid, like always man, much love and support. Godbless

  • @dljennings
    @dljennings Před rokem +3

    I started watching football late in life, so I’ve never heard of him. Thank you for this incredible video!

  • @Eidolon5150
    @Eidolon5150 Před rokem +13

    People thinking that average joe’s can play in the NFL is not a thing, college football is made of freak athletes and NFL players are leagues ahead of them.

  • @BoutTime73
    @BoutTime73 Před rokem +1

    Growing up a Chiefs fan, and watching when he played, the Nigerian Nightmare is still a favorite.

  • @megabotvideos
    @megabotvideos Před rokem +1

    “I wanna do whatever that guy is doing.” LMAO😂

  • @RenegadeLK
    @RenegadeLK Před rokem +6

    He is built like an offensive lineman but runs as fast as a wr.

  • @keithlilly6242
    @keithlilly6242 Před rokem +3

    When Steve Atwater met him that was one of the hardest hits ever. Loved watching this guy run. Atwater may have gotten the best of him but akoye didn’t back down form anyone.

  • @SEVEN-gy3ub
    @SEVEN-gy3ub Před rokem +1

    He was a beast. What I remember of Okoye was him running over people, being a good person and when he was moving he could hardly slow himself down.

  • @ClaySmasher
    @ClaySmasher Před rokem

    Killer content. Thanks!

  • @abelowaverage13yearoldamer42

    Imagine what he would have been able to do if he played football his whole life

    • @breezy3054
      @breezy3054 Před rokem +4

      Who knows. Could’ve been a blessing he learned late. Running backs don’t have a long shelf life

    • @IrishNewsRantBastard
      @IrishNewsRantBastard Před rokem +2

      Or he could have actually learned to catch and been an equally dominant WR

    • @YOSSARIAN313
      @YOSSARIAN313 Před rokem +1

      @@IrishNewsRantBastard he has the speed for a receiver and good height. Imagining a corner trying to tackle that man at full speed would be insane. In modern cfb they probably would have coached him into a terrifying linebacker

    • @thomasstafford8732
      @thomasstafford8732 Před rokem +1

      @@YOSSARIAN313 Woulda loved seeing him play as a linebacker. Maaan talk about SICK!!!!!!!

  • @caleofcaledonia6226
    @caleofcaledonia6226 Před rokem +3

    The thing that actually really helped him especially early in his career was actually not have playing football his whole life. Sounds weird but many college players have thousands of hits stacked up already in their lifetime when reaching the NFL he had 0, plus all of that beastliness. Loved playing super tecmo bowl with him.

  • @mikemilligan2770
    @mikemilligan2770 Před rokem

    @5:16 I lost it with the cardboard arrow 🤣🤣🤣

  • @idontgivetkachuk
    @idontgivetkachuk Před rokem +2

    The perfect time to go on break haha! Great video!!

  • @4dhumaninstrumentality789

    This is last person I’d want to have to tackle in the open field no contest. I’ll take take on Bettis, King Henry, even prime Earl Campbell. I dunno, maybe it’s the neckroll. This dude has always looked like the most intimidating fullback/tailback of all time IMO.

    • @tackle47
      @tackle47 Před rokem

      Let’s not go to far prime Earl was a whole mother beast. More agility and a killer stiff arm.

    • @4dhumaninstrumentality789
      @4dhumaninstrumentality789 Před rokem

      @@tackle47 I’ll put it like this. Ive hit players 240+ and came out on top by using fundamentals and not getting distracted by their size. What I’m saying is this dude is literally too big and athletic for me to tackle in the open field by myself. Atwater hit him in a crowd. I’m talking just you and the running back and he’s not trying to dodge you at all. I honestly believe his running style is the most brutal that Ive ever witnessed. He didn’t always break big runs but could often get four yards where many could not get a single. Earl may have been more agile but I know had to be easier to shoe shine with those comically large legs that he had. This dude was basically a shorter Brandon Jacobs(giving him a gravity advantage) with the athleticism of at least prime Larry Johnson. OP at his position.

    • @Giantsfanlewis
      @Giantsfanlewis Před rokem

      ​@@4dhumaninstrumentality789 the dude had a fraction of touchdowns and yards as the men mentioned while having more tackles. your watching a video and acting like the highlights were his whole career. this guy spent 2/3rd of his career not even cracking the 500 yard mark. come on man

  • @82dorrin
    @82dorrin Před rokem +38

    As a Broncos fan, my favorite memory of Christian Okoye is when Steve Atwater obliterated him.

    • @ericfriendzoned1303
      @ericfriendzoned1303 Před rokem +13

      As a chiefs fan.... 13-0 win streak against your Broncos 😂

    • @leonvalentine3748
      @leonvalentine3748 Před rokem

      @@ericfriendzoned1303 Savage

    • @Giantsfanlewis
      @Giantsfanlewis Před rokem +3

      ​@@ericfriendzoned1303 as an outside giants fan, the broncos have had way more success in the post season than the cheifs. soooooo....

    • @ericfriendzoned1303
      @ericfriendzoned1303 Před rokem

      @@Giantsfanlewis like going after a 30+ yo QB who will most likely be 4th best in the division after Mahomes, Herbert and a Revengful Carr?

    • @playboy2g216
      @playboy2g216 Před rokem +1

      @@Giantsfanlewis You're right, they've lost 5 Super Bowls

  • @latinaries35
    @latinaries35 Před rokem +1

    I remember that tackle by Steve Atwater! If I recall it was during a Monday Night Game which for me MNF was a religion. I was stunned :0

  • @SouthernEmperor
    @SouthernEmperor Před rokem

    Loved this!!!!! Super dope!!!!!

  • @Sean-jb5gi
    @Sean-jb5gi Před rokem +10

    Okoye Led the NFL in Rushing in 1989 Because the GOAT Gave it to him. Barry Sanders played after Okoye that day and Barry left the game at half because the Lions were winning Knowing all he had to do was run 11 yards more in the 2nd half and he said "Let the other Rookies play" Barry Sanders REALLY Led the NFL in Rushing 5 Times in 10 seasons

    • @billybussey
      @billybussey Před rokem +2

      Interesting. Sounds like a very Barry thing to do.

  • @chamberlainquench2484
    @chamberlainquench2484 Před rokem +4

    Did the Nigerian team ever give an explanation to why they didn’t select Okoye?

    • @andrewr7982
      @andrewr7982 Před rokem +1

      Probably because he moved to the US

    • @samuel_shemire
      @samuel_shemire Před rokem

      As a Nigerian myself, I hope he doesn't feel bad about it to this day. There could bemany reasons but I hope it is not because of corruption, that will be terrible. If they had people that were better than him in that event, then maybe it is justifiable.

  • @visforvegan8
    @visforvegan8 Před rokem +2

    One of my all time favorite players (non Giants). Nice to hear his story. Best nickname as well.

  • @squatch545
    @squatch545 Před rokem +1

    "Why juke when you can go straight ahead" Lol...

  • @mrj3217
    @mrj3217 Před rokem +3

    He was fresh when he entered the NFL. That helped a lot.

  • @kcjc
    @kcjc Před rokem +3

    Love Okoye, I remember my dad telling me about him when I was growing up and destroying people with guys like him and Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl

  • @Reason1717
    @Reason1717 Před rokem

    KC fan here. Christian was a much loved monster. And the Atwater hit on Okoye was the fabric of Legend. Thank you was making this video sir :)

  • @thomasstafford8732
    @thomasstafford8732 Před rokem +2

    My hats off to Okoye. He was indeed a beast and able to do some pretty amazing stuff for the overall total time that he played football. A lotta ppl are hating on him and trying to compare him and other great players of that era with todays players. Kinda feel like I have to mention that YES the modern NFL has some great athletes HOWEVER the NFL of today IS NOT and WILL NOT EVER be the same. I’d even go as far to argue or debate that a lot (not all but a good bit) of the players from the modern NFL era would even be able to play in that bygone era of professional football. Especially post CTE NFL period. Those earlier players were something fierce in general hell the league wasn’t even of the same caliber if that makes sense. Only my opinion though…

  • @danielvasquez3758
    @danielvasquez3758 Před rokem +3

    Never heard of him until now!! Glad for you to cover all of these little known gems!!!

  • @frenchfrey65
    @frenchfrey65 Před rokem +3

    6'1'', 260 lbs. and he runs a 4.38 40 yard DASH!? are you kidding me!?

  • @spyderwebb3264
    @spyderwebb3264 Před rokem +1

    The Nigerian Nightmare was one of the coolest nicknames in football history 💪🏾👊🏾

  • @YourWaterBoii
    @YourWaterBoii Před rokem

    What a god damn wholesome video. I appreciate you.