Happy 25th Birthday to Former Georgia Star Azeez Ojulari, Now a Philadelphia Eagle After Four Seasons With the Giants

Happy 25th birthday to Azeez Ojulari, a name that continues to echo with respect and admiration among Georgia Bulldogs fans and football enthusiasts across the country. A dominant force during his time in Athens, Ojulari crafted a collegiate career defined by relentless effort, explosive athleticism, and a work ethic that turned him into one of the most feared edge defenders in the Southeastern Conference. Now celebrating his 25th year, Ojulari stands not just as a young man in the NFL but as a testament to what perseverance, talent, and strong roots can accomplish.

Born on June 16, 2000, in Austell, Georgia, Ojulari has always been tied closely to the gridiron. Raised in a family with Nigerian roots and an appreciation for hard work and discipline, his foundation was solid from the start. At Marietta High School, he quickly emerged as a standout defender, showcasing the skillset and football IQ that would eventually land him a scholarship offer from the University of Georgia. Despite suffering a torn ACL during his senior year, Georgia stuck by him—and that loyalty was repaid tenfold once he arrived on campus in Athens.

Ojulari redshirted his first year in 2018, using the time to fully recover from his injury and adjust to the college game. By 2019, he was ready—and what followed was a breakout campaign that solidified him as a major piece of Georgia’s defensive future. That year, he led the Bulldogs with 5.5 sacks and recorded 36 total tackles. His length, bend, and quick first step made him a nightmare for offensive tackles and a frequent visitor to opposing backfields. It was clear to anyone watching that Ojulari was just getting started.

The 2020 season, his redshirt sophomore year, was his masterpiece. Amid a pandemic-shortened campaign, Ojulari erupted for 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in just ten games, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. He was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, and ended the season with one of his most memorable performances: the 2021 Peach Bowl against Cincinnati.

In that contest, Ojulari was simply unstoppable. He tallied three sacks, two forced fumbles, and five tackles overall, overwhelming the Bearcats’ offensive line from start to finish. His performance not only secured the victory for Georgia but earned him Defensive MVP honors and put a massive exclamation point on his collegiate career.

Shortly after the Peach Bowl, Ojulari declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Though some projections had him sneaking into the first round, he was ultimately selected by the New York Giants with the 50th overall pick in the second round. For Big Blue, it was a value pick with tremendous upside—and in year one, Ojulari proved them right.

As a rookie in 2021, Ojulari wasted no time making an impact. He set a Giants franchise record for the most sacks by a rookie, finishing the season with 8.0 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 49 tackles. His quickness and refined pass-rush moves translated smoothly to the pro level, and he became a foundational piece of the Giants’ defense.

Injuries would play a role in his next few seasons, limiting his time on the field in 2022 and 2023. Yet, when healthy, he remained a disruptive presence. Across four seasons with the Giants, Ojulari recorded 16.5 sacks, 89 tackles, and 4 forced fumbles in 44 games (29 starts). He was consistently praised by coaches for his leadership in the locker room and his film-room intelligence, traits that only added to his on-field value.

This offseason, in a move that brought Ojulari closer to his Southeastern roots and gave him a fresh start, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired him. For Philly, it’s a low-risk, high-upside addition—a player with proven production, championship pedigree, and still in the prime of his career. In a defense that already features an elite front, Ojulari’s presence could help elevate the Eagles’ pass rush even further. Fans in the City of Brotherly Love are hoping that a healthy, hungry Ojulari can regain his rookie-year form and provide the Eagles with a disruptive weapon off the edge.

As Ojulari enters his 25th year, it’s remarkable to look back at how much he has already achieved. From a high school prospect coming off a serious injury to an All-SEC pass rusher, Peach Bowl MVP, and productive NFL starter, his journey has been defined by growth and grit. The milestone also serves as a moment to reflect on just how bright his future still is. At 25, with a new team, a clean bill of health, and years of experience under his belt, the opportunity is ripe for Ojulari to reach a new level of performance.

Off the field, Ojulari remains grounded and engaged. Known for his humility and commitment to giving back, he has been involved in several community initiatives, both in New York and back home in Georgia. He also remains a proud Georgia Bulldog and has often spoken about how much his time in Athens shaped his career and life.

His legacy at Georgia is secure. When Bulldogs fans talk about the great pass rushers to come through Athens, Azeez Ojulari’s name is mentioned with reverence. He was a leader on and off the field and a foundational piece in building the culture that ultimately propelled Georgia to national championships in the years following his departure. It’s no stretch to say that his contributions helped set the stage for that sustained success.

Looking ahead, there is every reason to believe Ojulari’s best football is still to come. With the Eagles, he has a chance to play in a system that can maximize his strengths, surrounded by veterans and coaches who know how to put playmakers in positions to thrive. If he can stay healthy, he has all the tools to become a double-digit sack artist and an every-down defender in the NFL.

On his 25th birthday, Azeez Ojulari stands at a fascinating crossroads—experienced enough to be considered a veteran, yet young enough to still be seen as a rising star. He’s already made a name for himself, but the next chapter could be even more exciting.

Whether you remember him flattening quarterbacks in Sanford Stadium, setting rookie records in New York, or now beginning a new chapter in Philadelphia green, Ojulari has proven that he belongs at every level he’s played. And as he turns 25, fans of football, especially those in Athens and Philly, will be watching closely to see just how far this next phase of his journey will take him.

Happy birthday to a true Bulldog, a Giant contributor, and now a soaring Eagle—Azeez Ojulari. May year 25 bring you health, success, and the kind of impact you’ve always made on the field.