The story of Alex Okafor started in Pflugerville, Texas where he was a top rated defensive end prospect. He was named USA Today High School All-American and signed with the Texas Longhorns in 2009 as the number one rated strong side defensive end and four-star recruit.
During his time at Texas, Okafor was a problem for opposing offenses. He registered 150 total tackles, 34 tackles for loss and 23 career sacks. His senior year was especially big as he was first in the conference with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Okafor also finished seventh in the conference for career sacks.
Okafor’s final two seasons earned him All-Big 12 first team honors and first team All-American in 2011. His play earned him the opportunity to chase his dream in the NFL. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Following his four-year run in Arizona it was off to New Orleans.
After a solid start to the 2017 season, Okafor was put on the injured reserve list in week 11 when he tore his achilles tendon. He would return to the Saints in 2018 but after a four-sack season where he started all 16 games Okafor was a free agent again. That is when the Kansas City Chiefs came calling.
The Chiefs knew they needed to beef up their defense after losing the AFC Championship game due to not being able to stop the Patriots offense. In that game, New England got the ball to start overtime and scored a touchdown never allowing the Chiefs an opportunity.
Okafor was having a good season in Kansas City as they chased the opportunity to win the AFC, something that had eluded them for 50 years. Okafor recorded his second-best sack totals as a pro with five before tearing his pectoral muscle. It ended his season but even though he did not participate, the 2012 Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP can now say that he is a World Champion.
Alex Okafor. Longhorn Legend. World Champion. 🤘 #SuperBowl#ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/54sHuLjjEO
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) February 3, 2020