Josh Uche

Joshua Ikechukwu Uche (, ) (born September 18, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Early life Uche was born in 1998, the son of Nigerian immigrants, and grew up in Miami, Florida.

College career Uche attended the University of Michigan on a football scholarship. As a freshman in 2016, Uche tore his meniscus, caught a "bad virus" and appeared in only four games. As a sophomore in 2017, he sustained a stress fracture and saw limited action in 10 games.

As a junior in 2018, Uche appeared in 12 games at linebacker. In November 2018, the Detroit Free Press described him as "the most surprising player on the nation's top-ranked defense." Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh described Uche as "highly determined and motivated. He's a really special player as well." His final amateur game was the 2020 Senior Bowl.

Professional career

New England Patriots Uche was selected with the 60th pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Uche was the second (of three) Michigan linebackers the Patriots drafted in consecutive years, following Chase Winovich and preceding Cameron McGrone. He was placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2020, with a foot injury. He was activated on October 31.

In Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, Uche recorded his first career sack on Lamar Jackson during the 23–17 win. On December 31, 2020, Uche was placed on injured reserve.

Uche entered the 2021 season as a rotational outside linebacker and pass rusher for the Patriots. He was placed on injured reserve on November 17, 2021. He was activated on December 25.

Uche had a breakout year in 2022. Starting off slow, Uche got his first sack of the season in Week 8, then followed it up with a three-sack performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. In Week 14, had five tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for loss in a 27–13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season second on the team with 11.5 sacks, along with 27 tackles and two forced fumbles through 15 games.

On March 13, 2024, Uche re-signed with the Patriots.

Kansas City Chiefs On October 28, 2024, Uche was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Philadelphia Eagles On March 13, 2025, Uche signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Miami Dolphins On March 12, 2026, Uche signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.