Esezi Otomewo Bio
Esezi Otomewo (born March 9, 1999) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 280 pounds, Otomewo plays on the interior defensive line and has been a rotational piece for his teams since entering the league. He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers before being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Since being drafted, Otomewo has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He joined the Steelers on a one-year contract in March 2025, continuing his career in the league as a depth defender on the defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Esezi Otomewo was born on March 9, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He grew up in the Indianapolis area and attended Ben Davis High School, a well-known local program that has produced a number of college football recruits. His size and athletic frame from a young age pointed toward a future along the defensive line.
At Ben Davis, Otomewo developed into a college-level prospect, drawing attention for his length, frame, and ability to play on the interior of the defensive front. His high school work helped him earn a scholarship opportunity to play Big Ten conference football at the University of Minnesota.
Path to American Football
Otomewo continued his football career at the University of Minnesota, where he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He worked his way into the defensive tackle rotation over the course of his college career, building the strength and technique required to compete at the highest collegiate level in the Big Ten.
His development with the Golden Gophers, combined with his measurables, made him an NFL draft prospect following his college career. Otomewo’s combination of size, length, and experience against top-tier competition led to his selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Esezi Otomewo Career
Early Career (2022)
Esezi Otomewo was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, 165th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. He spent the early part of his rookie season developing with the Vikings before earning his first opportunity to play at the NFL level. Otomewo made his NFL debut in Week 14 of the 2022 season against the Detroit Lions.
His time with the Vikings during the 2022 season gave him his first exposure to the speed and complexity of professional football. The Vikings later waived him on August 29, 2023, ending his initial stint with the team that drafted him.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2022–2023)
Otomewo’s NFL career began with the Minnesota Vikings after being drafted in the fifth round in 2022. He appeared in limited action as a rookie, most notably making his debut against the Detroit Lions in Week 14 of the 2022 season. His role with the Vikings was primarily developmental, with the team looking to add depth along the defensive line.
Following the 2022 season, Otomewo was part of the Vikings’ roster competition through the 2023 offseason and preseason. On August 29, 2023, he was waived by the team, ending his time with the organization that had originally selected him in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023–2024)
Shortly after being waived by the Vikings, Otomewo was signed to the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 31, 2023. Joining the Jaguars gave him an opportunity to continue developing within an NFL environment and to work toward earning a spot on the active roster.
On January 8, 2024, Otomewo signed a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars, securing his place with the organization heading into the 2024 offseason. He spent the 2024 campaign with Jacksonville as part of their defensive line depth before eventually moving on to a new opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025–Present)
On March 19, 2025, Otomewo signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining the team’s defensive tackle group. The move to Pittsburgh gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot and to contribute on the interior defensive line.
During the 2025 season, Otomewo has continued to serve as depth at defensive tackle for the Steelers. His combination of size, length, and prior NFL experience has made him a rotational option as the team builds its defensive front for the year.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 5 inches tall and around 280 pounds, Otomewo brings ideal size and length for the defensive tackle position. His background as a rotational lineman has allowed him to focus on holding the point of attack, occupying blockers, and contributing against the run, while continuing to develop as a pass rusher.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the key milestones of Otomewo’s career came in Week 14 of the 2022 season, when he made his NFL debut against the Detroit Lions. Being selected 165th overall in the 2022 NFL draft also stands as a defining moment, confirming his path from Indianapolis to the professional level.
Esezi Otomewo Career Wins
As a defensive tackle working primarily in a rotational and depth role, Esezi Otomewo’s on-field impact has been measured through his availability, development, and contributions along the defensive line rather than through statistical headlines. He has consistently remained active in the NFL since 2022, a notable achievement for a fifth-round draft pick navigating multiple teams.
NFL Career Highlights
Otomewo has appeared in NFL regular-season action, most notably debuting in Week 14 of the 2022 season against the Detroit Lions while with the Minnesota Vikings. He went on to spend time with the Jacksonville Jaguars before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025, marking his third NFL organization.
His continued presence on NFL rosters and practice squads across three different franchises reflects his durability and the value teams place on his size and positional fit along the interior defensive line.
Esezi Otomewo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Esezi Otomewo’s family background are limited. He grew up in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and attended Ben Davis High School, where his development as a defensive lineman took shape before his college career at the University of Minnesota.
Personal Life
Otomewo was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has continued his football career in the United States. Beyond his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his path through the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars, limited verified public information is available about his personal life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Esezi Otomewo’s first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a one-year contract on March 19, 2025. Joining the team’s defensive tackle group, he has worked to carve out a role within the Steelers’ defensive front, providing size and depth at the position.
Otomewo’s season has been focused on contributing as a rotational interior lineman, taking advantage of his 6-foot-5 frame to compete against opposing offensive lines. His prior NFL experience with the Vikings and Jaguars has given him a foundation to build on as he adapts to the Steelers’ defensive scheme.
Looking ahead, Otomewo’s one-year deal runs through the end of the 2025 season, after which he is scheduled to enter the next phase of his career. His performance in 2025 will determine whether he extends his stay in Pittsburgh or explores new opportunities elsewhere in the league.