Paschal Ekeji

Paschal Hans Uzoma Ekeji Jr. (born March 19, 2002) is a Lesotho-born American football defensive end of Nigerian descent for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the Formerly part of the International Player Pathway program. He is a former rugby union footballer who played as a winger for Sharks XV in South Africa.

Early life He is originally from Nigeria but grew up in Bloemfontein and played for Grey College and played rugby union for Free State in the Craven Week. He then attended Stellenbosch University.

Career Rugby Union He was recruited by Western Province in 2020. He played for Western Province U20 in the U20 Cup in the 2021-22 season. That season, he also featured the senior Western Province side in the Toyota Challenge. He went on to make his senior debut in the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division for Western Province, making his debut against Lions in January 2022. However, his progress was halted by a knee ligament injury which ruled him out of action for a year.

NFL In June 2022, he attended the first NFL Africa Camp in Accra, Ghana. He was described as a "6-foot-4, 210 pounds" and a potential wide receiver who "looked the part in every way…the size, [he] was smooth in and out of his breaks and…very coachable". In December 2024, he was announced as joining the NFL's International Player Pathway scheme.

Return to Rugby Having failed to secure an NFL contract, Ekeji returned to rugby, signing with the Sharks ahead of the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division. Ekeji made his debut for the Sharks in the fourth round, against Griquas.

New York Jets (NFL)

On November 27, 2025, Ekeji signed with the New York Jets' practice squad as a defensive end. He signed a reserve/future contract with New York on January 5, 2026.

Personal life His younger brother Pretorius Ekeji is also a rugby union player.