Obada was born on April 13, 1992, in Lagos, the economic and entertainment capital of Nigeria. He and his family later moved to the Netherlands. At the age of 10, he and his sister were trafficked into London, England, and were left homeless when they arrived.[1][2] They initially slept in an office block before living in 10 different foster homes.[1] He eventually began work as a security guard at Grace Foods in Welwyn Garden City.[3][4]
Based on a recommendation from Warriors defensive coordinatorAden Durde, who previously served as an intern coach with the Dallas Cowboys, Obada was given the opportunity to work out for the team days before the Cowboys' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Although he did not have much experience, he was signed on April 1, 2015. In rookie mini-camp, he was tried on the first days at tight end, before the team decided to move him to defensive end, where the learning curve would not be as steep. He was waived on September 5.[6] On September 23, 2015, he was signed to the Cowboys' practice squad.[7] He was released on October 7, but rejoined the practice squad on December 2.[8][9] He was waived on March 2, 2016.[10]
Kansas City Chiefs
Obada was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on March 9, 2016.[11] He was released by the team on June 7.[12]
On May 25, 2017, Obada was signed by the Carolina Panthers through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program.[15] He was waived by the Panthers on September 1, 2017, and was re-signed to the practice squad.[16][17] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 8, 2018.[18] After a strong preseason, Obada became the first player from the NFL International Player Pathway program to make a 53-man roster. In Week 3, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Obada played his first regular season game, where he had one sack and one interception. He was later awarded the game ball, and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[19] He finished the season with eight combined tackles and two sacks.
On January 23, 2019, Obada signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers.[20] On October 13, 2019, Obada was made an honorary captain for the Panthers' NFL London Game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of a very emotional day for him.[21] On January 6, 2020, Obada signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers.[22] He was waived on September 6, 2020,[23] but re-signed with the team the next day.[24] In Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, Obada recovered a fumble lost by wide receiver Keenan Allen on the last play of the game to secure a 21–16 win for the Panthers.[25]
Buffalo Bills
On April 19, 2021, Obada signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.[26][27] He recorded 3.5 sacks with 12 tackles in 10 games.[28]
Washington Commanders
Obada signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders on March 23, 2022.[29] He re-signed with the team on another one-year contract on March 20, 2023.[30] On August 31, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.[31][32] He was reactivated to the active roster on October 14, 2023.[33] In the Week 11 game, Obada was carted off the field due to multiple leg fractures and underwent surgery the next day.[34] On November 20, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve .[35]
On March 14, 2024, Obada re-signed with the Commanders on another one-year contract.[36] He placed on physically unable to perform before the season opener and was activated on October 12, 2024.[37] Obada was released on November 5, 2024, and re-signed with their practice squad the following day.[38]
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