Former rugby sevens player and NFL hopeful Lawrence Okoye played a total of five games for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2015 season, primarily contributing on special teams before his release by the franchise according to team transaction records. Okoye transitioned to American football after representing Great Britain in the discus throw at the 2012 London Olympics, where he finished twelfth in the final.
Transition from Track and Field to the NFL
Lawrence Okoye entered the National Football League in 2013 without playing college football in the United States. According to NFL player tracking data, the British athlete initially signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent after participating in a regional combine and recording a 4.78-second 40-yard dash alongside a 35-inch vertical leap.
During his time with the San Francisco 49ers organization from 2013 to 2015, Okoye spent the majority of his tenure on the practice squad. According to league roster reports, he subsequently had short stints with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins before joining the Indianapolis Colts active roster during the 2015 regular season.
Indianapolis Colts Stint and Special Teams Role
With the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, Lawrence Okoye appeared in five regular-season games. According to official NFL game statistics, he did not record any defensive statistics and served primarily as a reserve lineman and backup on special teams units under then-head coach Chuck Pagano.
The Indianapolis Colts waived Okoye in December 2015. Following his departure from the NFL, Okoye pursued professional opportunities in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts before returning to track and field competition and subsequently transitioning to rugby union.
Rugby Union Career and Later Athletics
Lawrence Okoye signed with English Premiership rugby union club Gloucester Rugby in 2016 as a prop forward. According to club announcements from Gloucester, the transition marked his return to rugby union, a sport he played during his youth at St Joseph’s College in Croydon before focusing exclusively on track and field events.
After his spell in rugby union, Okoye returned to elite discus throwing. According to World Athletics official records, he secured a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, representing England with a throw of 64.99 meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lawrence Okoye play college football?
No, Lawrence Okoye never played college football. He signed directly with the NFL after competing internationally in track and field as a discus thrower.
Which NFL teams did Lawrence Okoye play for?
According to league transaction logs, Okoye spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Indianapolis Colts, appearing in five regular-season games exclusively with the Colts in 2015.
What was Lawrence Okoye’s Olympic background?
Okoye represented Great Britain in the discus throw at the 2012 London Olympic Games, reaching the final and placing twelfth overall.
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