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Russell Okung

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Russell Okung
refer to caption
Okung with the Denver Broncos in 2016
No. 76, 73
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1988-10-07) October 7, 1988 (age 36)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:310 lb (141 kg)
Career information
High school:George Bush (Richmond, Texas)
College:Oklahoma State (2006–2009)
NFL draft:2010 / round: 1 / pick: 6
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:131
Games started:131
Fumble recoveries:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Russell Okung (/oʊˈkʊŋ/ oh-KUUNG; born October 7, 1988[1]) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and was twice recognized as an All-American, including a unanimous selection in 2009. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the sixth overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and also played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers.

Early life

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Russell Okung was born in Houston, Texas. He attended George Bush High School in Fort Bend, where he was a first-team All-Greater Houston and first-team all-district selection. He was also one of the state's top performers in the discus throw (PR of 47.50 meters). Considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com,[2] Okung was listed as the No. 33 offensive tackle prospect in the class of 2006.[3] At 250 pounds (113 kg) coming out of high school, he did not possess the prototypical tackle bulk.[4] Okung was recruited by a number of major schools, including Oklahoma, LSU, and Nebraska. He committed to Oklahoma State in January 2006.

College career

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Okung attended Oklahoma State University, where he played for coach Mike Gundy's Oklahoma State Cowboys football team from 2006 to 2009. As a true freshman, he moved into the starting lineup for the first time against Kansas and held the position of right tackle for the rest of the season (eight straight starts). He ended the season by being voted as a member of All-Big 12 freshman team (by The Sporting News) and was named the Dick Bogert Award winner as Oklahoma State's top freshman.

In his sophomore season, he started all thirteen games, having been moved permanently to left tackle. The Cowboys’ offensive line gave up just five sacks in eight Big 12 games to lead the league in that category. Okung earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors (by coaches). He was also named to the Rivals.com all-bowl team after holding Indiana's Greg Middleton, the NCAA's sack leader, without a tackle in the 2007 Insight Bowl victory.[5]

As a junior, Okung led Oklahoma State with 71 knockdown blocks, and was named a first-team all-conference selection by the coaches. He also was named to Pro Football Weekly′s 2008 All-America team.[6] Okung currently has started 34 straight games for the longest active streak on the team.

In 2009, Okung was listed at No. 1 on Rivals.com′s preseason offensive tackle power ranking.[7] He was also named to the 2009 Outland Trophy watch list.[8] On October 14, 2009, Okung was named one of twelve semifinalists—and the only offensive lineman—for the Lombardi Award.[9]

In a game against Texas A&M on October 10, Okung held then-NCAA sack leader, Von Miller, without a quarterback sack. That effort was the second time during his career he has not allowed a sack against the nation's leader at the time. Against Texas on October 31, Okung held the Longhorn pass rush, including All-American candidate Sergio Kindle, without a quarterback sack. According to Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline, that performance "has solidified his projection as the top senior tackle" in the 2010 NFL Draft.[10] On November 24, 2009, Okung was named one of three finalists for the 2009 Outland Trophy, alongside Mike Iupati and Ndamukong Suh.[11]

On December 1, 2009, Okung was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in a vote of the league's coaches.[12] He was also recognized as a unanimous first-team 2009 All-American.[13] Despite tweaking his knee in practice earlier that week, Okung played in the 2010 Cotton Bowl Classic to end his career at Oklahoma State with a streak of 47 straight starts.[14][15]

Professional career

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Okung with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013

Pre-draft

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Okung was considered one of the best offensive tackles available in the 2010 NFL draft,[16][17][18][19][20] and drew comparisons to D'Brickashaw Ferguson.[21] According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Okung "will start and play a lot of years in the NFL."[22] NFL.com's Bucky Brooks even projected Okung as the No. 1 pick overall,[23] as did Scout.com′s Chris Steuber.[24] Sports Illustrated′s Tony Pauline described Okung as "a complete offensive tackle with a large upside", who "stands out in pass protection while also dominating as a run blocker".[25] The Kansas City Chiefs were believed to be one of the NFL teams to target Okung in the draft,[26] as well as the Washington Redskins.[27]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 5+1⁄4 in
(1.96 m) 		307 lb
(139 kg) 		36 in
(0.91 m) 		10+1⁄2 in
(0.27 m)		 5.21 s 1.81 s 3.02 s 4.80 s 7.79 s 32.5 in
(0.83 m)		 8 ft 9 in
(2.67 m)		 38 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[28][29]

Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

Okung was selected 6th overall by the Seattle Seahawks,[30] making him only the second Oklahoma State offensive lineman ever picked in the first round of an NFL draft, along with John Ward, who was selected 25th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1970, and was the highest OSU draft pick since Barry Sanders went 3rd overall in the 1989 NFL draft.[31] On August 6, 2010, Okung was signed by the Seahawks to a six-year contract worth a maximum of $48 million, with more than $29 million in guaranteed money.[32] He was injured 6 games in his first NFL season high-ankle sprains on both ankles, but played well in the remaining 10. He saw limited action in the Seahawks' fourth game of the season in St. Louis against the Rams on October 3, before leaving the game in the first half after re-injuring his ankle.

Okung started the first twelve games in the 2011 regular season for the Seahawks. On December 1, 2011, he suffered a season-ending injury late in Seattle's 31–14 victory over Philadelphia. Trent Cole flipped Okung over his back which resulted in Okung suffering a torn right pectoral muscle. He was put on Injured Reserve after the game.

Okung started 15 games in the 2012 regular season for the Seahawks. He started both playoff games versus the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons as well. 2012 marked Okung's first season without missing consecutive games since entering the NFL in 2010. He was voted as a starter in the 2012–2013 Pro Bowl making it his very first appearance. He was considered among many football analysts as being a top 5 Left Tackle in the 2012–2013 season while contributing to an offense that featured C Max Unger, RB Marshawn Lynch, and QB Russell Wilson in the Pro Bowl too.

Okung started in only 8 games due to injury in 2013, but the Seahawks finished the season 13–3. In the playoffs, the Seahawks beat both the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers to reach Super Bowl XLVIII. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl 43–8 after they beat the Denver Broncos to give Okung his first Super Bowl ring.

Okung started 14 games in the 2014 season and help the Seahawks finish with a 12–4 record. The Seahawks beat both the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers to reach Super Bowl XLIX. The Seahawks failed to repeat as Super Bowl champions after they lost 28–24 to the New England Patriots.

Okung started in 13 games in 2015 and the Seahawks finished with a 10–6 record and earned the #6 seed. The Seahawks defeated the Minnesota Vikings 10–9 in the Wild Card game, but lost 31–24 in the Divisional round to the Panthers.

Denver Broncos

[edit]
Russell Okung Broncos – Practice 2016

Following the end of his six-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, Russell Okung opted to represent himself as a free agent in the NFL.[33][34] Okung called his decision "Betting on Myself."[35] During his free agency, Okung met with the New York Giants,[36] Pittsburgh Steelers[37] and Detroit Lions,[38] was invited to visit with the San Francisco 49ers[39] and didn’t initially rule-out resigning with the Seattle Seahawks.[40]

On March 17, 2016, Okung signed with the Denver Broncos on a one-year deal worth $5 million, which included an additional four-year, $48 million option.[41][42] The contract he negotiated for himself for 2016, had no guaranteed money and was extremely team-friendly and incentive-laden and is solely based on his performance. Had the Broncos exercised the option to retain him in 2017 he would have received $21 million guaranteed for 2017 and 2018.[43] He ended up starting all 16 games at left tackle for the Broncos in 2016.

On February 23, 2017, the Broncos declined Okung's option on his contract, making him a free agent.[44]

Los Angeles Chargers

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On March 9, 2017, Okung signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.[45] He started 15 games at left tackle in his first year as a Charger, on his way to his second Pro Bowl.[46] He followed that up in 2018 with 15 starts at left tackle, missing one game with a groin injury.

During the 2019 offseason, Okung suffered a pulmonary embolism due to blood clots in his lungs.[47] He was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list to start the season.[48] He was activated off NFI on October 26, 2019.[49]

Carolina Panthers

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On March 4, 2020, the Chargers agreed to trade Okung to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for guard Trai Turner.[50] The deal became official on March 18.[51] He only made seven starts at left tackle due to injury.

On June 6, 2023, Okung announced his retirement from professional football.[52]

Personal life

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Russell Okung is the son of Akpabio and Victor Okung. Okung, who graduated in 2009, was a marketing major at OSU.[53] He is of Nigerian ancestry.[54]

In 2016, Okung co-founded the Greater Foundation, an organization that "aims to equip the next generation with the tools to reach their highest potential through mentoring and leadership development."[55][56] Through the Foundation and through other personal effort, Okung focuses on providing access and opportunity for underserved youth, particularly in the tech sector.[57] Okung is also interested in the startup world and entrepreneurship.[58] Since 2019 he has been open about his support for Bitcoin. He and fellow NFL player Matt Barkley have requested their salaries be paid in Bitcoin but were denied at the time.[59][60][61][62] Okung has also launched his own Bitcoin brand and event series, "Bitcoin Is _", which had its inaugural installment on September 1, 2019, in Los Angeles.[63] As of December 2020, he was buying bitcoin with half of his NFL salary.[64]

In April 2020, Okung launched Okung Ventures.[65]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ About Russell Okung
  2. ^ "Russell Okung Profile", Rivals.com
  3. ^ "Offensive tackles 2006", Rivals.com, January 30, 2006.
  4. ^ "Russell Okung Recruiting Profile", ESPN, February 1, 2006.
  5. ^ "Coming up big in the biggest games", Rivals.com, January 9, 2008, archived from the original on May 20, 2008
  6. ^ Nawrocki, Nolan (December 22, 2008), "Pro Football Weekly's 2008 All-America team", Pro Football Weekly[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ Buchanan, Olin; Dienhart, Tom; Fox, David; Huguenin, Mike; Megargee, Steve (August 22, 2009), "Preseason offensive tackle power rankings", Rivals.com, archived from the original on March 24, 2016, retrieved August 31, 2009
  8. ^ Richardson, Steve (August 11, 2009), 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List Announced, Football Writers Association of America
  9. ^ "Okung Named Lombardi Semi-Finalist", OK State Athletics, October 14, 2009
  10. ^ Pauline, Tony (November 2, 2009), "Sam Bradford, 2010 NFL Draft, rising, sliding prospects", Sports Illustrated, archived from the original on July 31, 2012
  11. ^ Griffin, Tom (November 24, 2009), "Okung, Suh named Outland Trophy finalists", ESPN
  12. ^ "Okung Named Big 12 O-Lineman of the Year", Oklahoma State Athletics, December 1, 2009
  13. ^ Griffin, Tim (December 17, 2009), Seven Big 12 players make All-America list, ESPN
  14. ^ Chatmon, Brandon; Helsley, John (December 31, 2009), "OSU's Russell Okung likely to play in Cotton Bowl", The Oklahoman
  15. ^ "McCluster's 182 yards, two TDs propel Ole Miss to Cotton Bowl victory", ESPN, January 2, 2010, archived from the original on January 6, 2010
  16. ^ Prisco, Pete (April 27, 2009), "Prisco's 2010 draft preview: QB will land No. 1 spot", CBSSports.com
  17. ^ Cooney, Frank (May 11, 2009), "Who's next? Looking ahead to the best of the 2010 draft class", USA Today
  18. ^ Perloff, Andrew (April 28, 2009), "Sam Bradford goes No.1 to St. Louis Rams in 2010 NFL Mock Draft", Sports Illustrated, archived from the original on April 30, 2009
  19. ^ "NFL Draft – 2010 OT Draft Prospects", CBSSports.com
  20. ^ Muench, Steve (December 15, 2009), "Okung leads trio of top-notch OTs", ESPN Insider
  21. ^ "Draft Profile: Russell Okung", CBSSports.com
  22. ^ Brandt, Gil, "Top offensive tackle prospects for 2010 hail from the Big 12", NFL.com
  23. ^ Brooks, Bucky, "Never too soon to look at top prospects for next year's draft", NFL.com, archived from the original on August 17, 2009
  24. ^ Steuber, Chris (May 1, 2009), "2010 Mock Draft", Scout.com
  25. ^ Pauline, Tony (October 22, 2009), "2010 NFL Draft: Top 50 prospects", SI.com, archived from the original on October 25, 2009
  26. ^ Teicher, Adam (December 28, 2009), "Chiefs survey options as likely No. 3 pick in NFL Draft", The Kansas City Star, archived from the original on January 1, 2010
  27. ^ Maese, Rick; Reid, Jason (February 26, 2010), "Redskins will have plenty of offensive linemen from which to choose", Washington Post.
  28. ^ "Russell Okung Draft and Combine Prospect Profile", NFL.com, retrieved February 27, 2010
  29. ^ "2010 NFL Draft Scout Russell Okung College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  30. ^ "2010 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Wilson, Aaron (February 26, 2010), "Okung is impressive: Oklahoma State offensive tackle regarded as top 10 talent", National Football Post, archived from the original on March 2, 2010.
  32. ^ "Russell Okung, Seattle Seahawks agree to six-year deal". ESPN. August 6, 2010.
  33. ^ "Russell Okung thinks more NFL players should represent themselves". Washington Post. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  34. ^ "Russell Okung to test free agency without agent". NFL.com. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  35. ^ "Betting on Myself | By Russell Okung". The Players' Tribune. July 21, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  36. ^ "Giants to host free agent LT Russell Okung, per report". NJ.com. March 11, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  37. ^ "Source: Steelers offer contract to OT Russell Okung". ESPN.com. March 13, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  38. ^ "Lions waiting on Russell Okung as OT market heats up". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  39. ^ Fucillo, David (March 11, 2016). "49ers have reached out to Russell Okung, per report". Niners Nation. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  40. ^ "Russell Okung still considering Seahawks, has no other visits planned as he sifts through offers". The Seattle Times. March 14, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  41. ^ Broncos sign free agent OT Russell Okung to five-year contract
  42. ^ "Okung's Broncos deal contains no guaranteed money". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  43. ^ "Sportac.com: Russell Okung contracts". Spotrac.com. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  44. ^ Orr, Conor (February 23, 2017). "Denver Broncos don't pick up Russell Okung's option". NFL.com.
  45. ^ Wesseling, Chris (March 9, 2017). "Chargers beat out Vikings to land Russell Okung". NFL.com.
  46. ^ Elwood, Hayley (January 22, 2018). "Russell Okung Named to 2018 Pro Bowl". Chargers.com.
  47. ^ "Chargers' Russell Okung survived 'near-death' experience after blood clot in lung". Los Angeles Times. July 25, 2019.
  48. ^ "Chargers Announce Roster Moves". Chargers.com. August 31, 2019. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  49. ^ "Chargers place FS Nasir Adderley on IR, activate OT Russell Okung". Chargers Wire. USA Today. October 26, 2019.
  50. ^ Shook, Nick (March 4, 2020). "Chargers, Panthers set to swap Okung for Turner". NFL.com.
  51. ^ Bryan, Will (March 18, 2020). "Panthers officially acquire LT Russell Okung". Panthers.com. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  52. ^ "Russell Okung: Announces retirement". cbssports.com. June 11, 2023.
  53. ^ Nulph, Scott (August 8, 2009), "After passing up NFL, OSU's Okung eager for final year", Stillwater NewsPress, archived from the original on September 5, 2009
  54. ^ 2010 NFL Draft: Player Profiles Overtime Africa, April 13, 2010
  55. ^ "Seahawks Left Tackle Russell Okung Launches Greater Foundation". Seattle Seahawks. February 26, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  56. ^ "About". The Greater Foundation. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  57. ^ "Seahawks lineman Russell Okung exposes at-risk teens to technology with new non-profit GREATER". GeekWire. January 29, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  58. ^ "Seahawks' Russell Okung demolishing stereotypes as entrepreneur". MyNorthwest.com. February 25, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  59. ^ @RussellOkung (May 14, 2019). "How I feel after being introduced to #BitcoinTwitter..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  60. ^ @RussellOkung (May 14, 2019). "I'm part of the revolution. Long $BTC, short the bankers" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  61. ^ @RussellOkung (June 4, 2019). "Consider this tweet your next touchpoint. #BuyBitcoin" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  62. ^ Rapp, Timothy (May 16, 2019). "49ers, Bengals Rejected Matt Barkley's Request to Pay His Contracts in Bitcoin". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  63. ^ "Bitcoin is_". Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  64. ^ Hollister, Sean (December 29, 2020). "No, NFL player Russell Okung is not being paid in Bitcoin". The Verge.
  65. ^ "Okung Ventures". Archived from the original on August 8, 2020.
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