Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo has had a remarkable life journey thus far. And judging by his impact in the trenches this last Championship run by the Birds, his clutch experience and big plays may have only just begun.
Coming into his own this past campaign, Ojomo landed in PFF’s top 32 (No.32 in defensive line rankings). He didn’t record a sack, but he chalked up 39 pressures in game action. With the recently departed Milton Williams checking in at 14 on the PFF list, there is an opportunity here for a significant impact by Ojomo to be made.
Jalen Carter finished fifth in the ranking, while fellow Bulldog Jordan Davis fell to 28 in interior line rankings per PFF. Ojomo has hovered, with capped playing time, and now it’s his time to ascend and genuinely make a name for himself—a feat perhaps more potent than any ranking can muster.
Ojomo's journey to become the Eagles' secret weapon
Initially born in Lagos, Nigeria, his parents moved the family to California when he was eight years old. With a sister who faced considerable health issues, Moro and his family moved to Texas, where he was particularly interested in weight training, but not football. Not yet, at least. He did not play varsity football until his junior year at Katy High School, but he would soon earn all-state honors and be spotted on the top programs' radars.
The sudden rise eventually had him opting to stay in-state with the Longhorns, where the late-blooming Ojomo continued to grind away.
Ojomo garnered second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 before eventually landing in Philadelphia, as they tabbed him with their seventh-round selection of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Plenty of practice squad experience welcomed the rookie defensive lineman into the nest. He was activated here and there, and his hard work kept him on a solid trajectory, as he earned his wings - well-respected by coaches and teammates alike.
He worked hard then, and he works hard now. He always has.
His tough, no-quit demeanor combined with his stout strength and solid motor can vault him into the middle of some big plays with increased snaps. Key spatial awareness, as he showed this to be the case. Especially in the Super Bowl LIX in dogged pursuit of the iconic Patrick Mahomes (two tackles, one tackle for loss). Ojomo was in the mix with a few pressures on centerstage, and lest we forget he also notched his first career sack in the NFC Divisional Round.
Often one of the four Eagles tasked with blasting through the Chiefs' offensive line to disrupt Mahomes, Ojomo was out there in big spots. He’s earned the trust of Fangio, that’s also plain to see. Thus, with the loss of Williams to New England in the off-season – that stings a bit, but it’s not earth-shattering - this playing time and this call for more action is music to the ears of the hard-working Ojomo.
Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson was also brought in from Nebraska by way of the Birds' fourth-round selection, and he has been making waves amid a strong rookie camp. He could very well hit the ground running. But there are plenty of mouths that can eat between Davis, Carter, Ojomo, and now Robinson.
It all signals a time to step up even more for Ojomo. A talented vet suddenly gone in Williams, an opportunity at hand. A critical third year coupled with additional help needed. And based on his remarkable journey up to this point, there’s no reason to doubt that he will continue to put his best foot forward. One snap at a time.
