Tony Okanlawon

Anthony A. Okanlawon (born March 4, 1979) is a Nigerian American former professional football defensive back who played one game in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at Maryland.

Early life and education Okanlawon was born on March 4, 1979, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the second-oldest of seven children. He later moved to the United States where he attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland and graduated in 1998, having been named first-team all-conference and honorable mention USA Today All-American as a senior.

Okanlawon committed to the University of Maryland and saw immediate playing time as a true freshman, making six starts and 39 tackles. As a sophomore in 1999, he started three games and played in a total of nine, missing several games due to a pulled hamstring. Okanlawon made 26 solo tackles and 31 total, while also recording three passes defended and a fumble recovery. Okanlawon missed four games due to a "medical issue", which coach Ralph Friedgen said he "was not at liberty to discuss." He returned for the final game of the season, starting in a loss in the Orange Bowl to Florida.

Despite missing four games, Okanlawon was named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at the end of the year. In a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, he returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown to help the Chargers win 24–14. He made the final roster but was inactive for the first two games, and was placed on injured reserve prior to week three, ending his season.

Okanlawon was released at the final roster cuts in . After an injury to safety Kwamie Lassiter, he was re-signed on November 20. He was inactive for each game before making his NFL debut in the 24–40 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21. It was the only professional game in his career.

On January 5, , Okanlawon was signed by the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was waived on January 17, without appearing in a game.