Josiah Ezirim

Josiah Nnamdi Ezirim (born May 21, 2001) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels and was selected by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Early life Ezirim was born on May 21, 2001, the oldest of four children, and grew up in Hilliard, Ohio. His father was a Nigerian immigrant and soccer player for the Ohio State Buckeyes who later played professionally.

In 2021, Ezirim was told he might have better opportunities if he moved to the offensive line, and, considering that he had a mere 12 tackles and no starts in his first two years on defense, he accepted the offer. He appeared in five games as a backup that year, but then became a top player at right tackle in his last two seasons. He appeared in all 12 games in 2022 and was chosen fourth-team All-ASUN. In his final year, 2023, he started 11 games and was named first-team All-United Athletic Conference (UAC) as well as a third-team FCS All-American by the Associated Press (AP).

Professional career

New Orleans Saints Ezirim was selected in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2024 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.

Ezirim signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025. On August 25, Ezirim was waived by the Saints.

Dallas Renegades On January 13, 2026, Ezirim was selected by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft.