After beating the odds in the NFL, Obada turns to helping children in care

Efe Obada, a London-born former NFL defensive end, has spent the last decade overcoming his traumatic past and making a successful career in American football. After retiring from football at the age of 34, Obada is preparing to launch the Efe Obada Foundation aimed at helping young people in care. Growing up in a care system after being trafficked to Britain and abandoned on the streets of South London, Obada credits American football with transforming his life.

The 6ft 6in athlete spent 73 seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders, where he made history as the first International Player Pathway athlete to make a 53-man roster. Despite initial reservations about his suitability for the sport due to his difficult background, Obada credits a college friend for suggesting he try football and a coaches recommendation that led to his NFL debut with the Dallas Cowboys.

He hopes his foundation will provide young people in care with the tools and opportunities to live fulfilling lives, rather than simply creating NFL players.