NFL
The Preseason’s Most Incredible Story
The infamous cut down to the 53-man roster brings a rollercoaster of emotion to those on the edge of making the roster. Some get cut, some are stashed on the practice squad. However, for the elusive few, they get a spot on the 53-man roster. We’ve seen our fair share of heartwarming stories, however, none more heartwarming than the preseason’s most incredible story, Efe Obada.
London’s Efe Obada claims a spot on the 53-man roster ?? https://t.co/owihn3KdmI
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 1, 2018
Adversity Breeds Champions
Nigerian Native Efe Obada, isn’t naive when it comes to adversity. At only 10 years old, he and his sister were trafficked from the Netherlands to London.Efe and his sister was then abandoned on the London streets.Obada also started playing American Football a mere 4 years ago, suiting up for the British London Warriors in 2014. Obada was an intriguing prospect to scouts. Having stints with the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Falcons. However, Obada never made a 53-man roster. That was until Obada was assigned to the Carolina Panthers in 2017 through the International Pathway Program.
The Moment
Obada arrived at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday—expecting a fate that he knew all too well. “Walking in and getting released is what I’m used to,” Obada told the Panthers website. That was until Coach Rivera approached Obada. At that point, what seemed impossible for the 26-year-old finally came into fruition. The Panthers organization informed the edge rusher that he made the team.
Only the 2nd player from this program to make a 53-man roster, as Jordan Mailata also made the Eagles roster, Obada will be nothing short but an inspiration to many. The Native Nigerian had much to say after he received the news. “I’m so happy. I’m going to enjoy this. I’ve been working very hard just to feel this.” While Obada has accomplished the hard part, he must continue to push if he wants to stick to this Panthers roster. A feel-good story indeed, Obada is officially a Carolina Panther; and hopes to make Dallas his first victim when the 2018 NFL season kicks off.
Against all odds, Efe Obada has made the Carolina Panthers 53 man roster. Incredible story. Who’s got the movie rights? @NFLUK @nflukhank https://t.co/vvviYlzj13
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 1, 2018
Efe Obada can't stop smiling – and for good reason.
He was born in Nigeria, trafficked to the UK and found himself homeless in London at 10. He didn't find football until he was 22.
But yesterday, he walked into BOA Stadium & a smile from coach told him he was home in Carolina pic.twitter.com/OTQxzIxOcw
— Kelsey Riggs (@KelseyRiggsWCNC) September 2, 2018
Photo credit to Caitlin Jones via Flickr
