Uchenna Nwosu
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Linebacker | University of Southern California | 7 |
EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD
Seven-year veteran Uchenna Nwosu signed with the Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent in 2022 after spending four seasons with the LA Chargers (2018-21), where he was the team's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2019. He started all 17 games played during his first season in Seattle and posted career-highs in tackles (66), tackles for loss (12), sacks (team-leading 9.5), quarterback hits (26, 9th NFL), passes defensed (4), and forced fumbles (3). A valuable team-leader, Nwosu's 2023 season was cut short after six games and 2.0 sacks due to a pectoral injury. Persevering through the rehabilitation process, his 2024 season debut was delayed due to a knee injury suffered in the preseason, then, in Week 5, he suffered a thigh injury and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.
DEMONSTRATES POSITIVE CHARACTER & MODELS A LIFESTYLE OF GIVING BACK
In 2023, Nwosu established his Uchenna Nwosu Foundation to better serve the community through its mission to promote "Education, Health, and Wellness to the Youth & Community." Since joining the NFL, Nwosu has been active in a wide variety of programs for betterment of the community, including giving back extensively to his hometown. Through his LA Chargers community initiatives, he was recognized as "Community Athlete of the Year" in 2019 by The Los Angeles Sports Council. Nwosu believes there is an overwhelming need for mentoring programs. His vision began with targeting disadvantaged and at-risk youth and has now grown to include youth from all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. To date, his programs and events reach hundreds of youth and young adults, ages 8-17 each year.
DEDICATION & COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY EFFORTS
THIS YEAR
Throughout the past year, Uchenna Nwosu has continued to demonstrate his steadfast commitment to bettering the community, supporting numerous initiatives to give back. In January, he attended the ribbon cutting celebration for the Carson Library, located in Carson, California, where he grew up. He invested in the $2.3 million dollar renovation of the library, which provided new flooring, furniture, seating, study rooms, and more. His donation also helped fund a 'My Brother's Keeper' advocate position at the library, which brings young people of color into libraries as advisors and liaisons in the high-need communities in which they serve. As a result of his support, Library Director, Skye Patrick, said, "We are so grateful to Uchenna Nwosu for supporting our MBK Peer Advocate Program. With his support, our program will continue to provide access, training, and resources that help shape the trajectory of young people's lives. We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to the customers of the Carson Library." In February, Uchenna participated in a mentorship opportunity at a Nike Super Bowl Event, where he engaged in programs designed to empower youth with a variety of skills, from broadcasting to enhancing self-confidence. In April, he supported the Seahawks fan base through special participation and engagement with fans at the team's NFL Draft events. In May, he launched a mentorship program through his foundation to help advise and guide youth, increase their self-confidence and help develop problem-solving skills. The mission of the mentorship program is to increase the youth's overall emotional health. In June, he hosted the inaugural Uchenna Nwosu Foundation Charity Weekend featuring charity golfing, live auction, bowling, youth football camp, and a health and wellness expo free to the community. In July, he gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, Mater Narbonne High School. His energetic and motivational speech, titled "Job's Not Done," was well received by inspired parents and students. In August, he invested in his third multi-family property home to ensure affordable housing for the community. He now has three active multifamily property homes, two in the greater Los Angeles area and one in Lomita, California.
IN YEARS PAST
Nwosu supported key community initiatives in 2022 and 2023. He kicked off a seven-figure donation to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's "Summer Night Lights program," aimed at gang reduction over the next three years. He paid a special visit to his alma mater, Narbonne High School, where he surprised the school with an $80,000 donation to fund an athletic trainer and training room. He sponsored and coached a co-ed group of middle schoolers from the Boys & Girls Club of Carson Main Street's NFL flag football team. He showcased his commitment to those in need through a special winter coat drive to benefit Treehouse, a Seattle-based non-profit focused on supporting youth in foster care. As part of the program, he donated over 70 coats and winter items, while raising over $1,500. He participated in a special holiday radiothon with the Seahawks' broadcast partner, KIRO Newsradio, to spark donations for a Toys for Tots toy drive in Seattle. He partnered with the Seahawks and a local Boys & Girls Club to open a "NWOSU Reading Corner." The corner was fully stocked with new books for all reading levels, comfy chairs and pillows, and Seahawks decorations. It provides a space for a love of reading and learning to grow. He attended the reading corner opening, reading books to the kids. At the time, Laurie Black, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County told a local newspaper, "We know that developing strong literacy skills set kids on a life-long path of success. Having Uchenna, a beloved Seahawks player, encouraging club members to read is a fantastic way to encourage more young people to become avid readers."
