Azeez Ojulari

Azeez O. Ojulari (born June 16, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life Ojulari was born on June 16, 2000, in Austell, Georgia to Nigerian parents, and attended Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. As a senior, he had 118 tackles and 11 sacks before suffering a torn ACL. He was selected to the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He committed to the University of Georgia to play college football.

College career After recovering from the torn ACL he suffered his senior season of high school, Ojulari played in two games his first year at Georgia in 2018 and took a redshirt. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he played in all 14 games and made 13 starts. He recorded 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Ojulari returned to Georgia in 2020 as a starter. During the 2020 season Ojulari was named second-team All-SEC and was the defensive MVP of the 2021 Peach Bowl.

Professional career

New York Giants Ojulari was selected by the New York Giants in the second round (50th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021. Ojulari finished the season with 8 sacks which set an all-time Giants record for sacks by a rookie, surpassing B. J. Hill, who recorded 5.5 sacks in 2018.

On October 22, 2022, Ojulari was placed on injured reserve. On December 3, he was activated from injured reserve. He finished the 2022 season with 5.5 sacks, ending the season second on the team behind nose tackle Dexter Lawrence in sacks.

On October 14, 2023, Ojulari was placed on injured reserve. On November 11, the Giants reactivated him back on their active roster.

Philadelphia Eagles On March 19, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Ojulari to a one-year deal worth $4 million. He was placed on injured reserve on November 1, due to a hamstring injury.

Atlanta Falcons On March 11, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons signed Ojulari to a one-year, $1.4 million contract.

Personal life Ojulari was born the son of Nigerian immigrants; his maternal grandfather was the late Yoruban artist and musician Twins Seven Seven. His younger brother, BJ Ojulari, played college football at LSU and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 NFL draft.