Moro Ojomo has taken the Philadelphia Eagles defense by storm this season, stepping up in his second year with the team and proving himself as one of their most dependable defensive players. Just a year ago, Ojomo barely saw the field as a rookie seventh-round draft pick. Today, he's holding his own alongside some of the Eagles' best defenders and playing with an energy that feels infectious. What’s changed? According to Ojomo, his progress has a lot to do with the guidance of teammates like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and veteran Brandon Graham. But Ojomo, humble as ever, insists the credit belongs to everyone but himself.
“There’s a lot that goes into making a machine well-oiled and organized,” Ojomo explained, giving a nod to the team that surrounds him. “Think of big ships—they don’t run by themselves. I really think it’s everybody around me, not me.” His comments reveal how he views the defense: as a collective effort where every player and coach plays a crucial role. Ojomo, who’s only 23, has no problem learning from others and recognizes how much he owes to player development assistants Matt Leo and Patrick McDowell. Together, they’re all working toward a shared goal.
If you look at the numbers, the Eagles defense truly has been a force to reckon with, especially since the bye week. They’re leading the league in categories like points (holding opponents to just 9.7 per game), total yards allowed (214 per game), and first downs (only 14 per game). Plus, they’re putting up a league-high 14 sacks in their last three games. And although Ojomo is still looking for his first sack, his presence is impossible to ignore. He’s been getting into the backfield, creating pressure, and disrupting plays. His efforts aren’t just visible in the stats but in the impact he’s making on the field.
Ojomo ranks third on the team for hurries and has consistently ramped up his snap count, now playing 26 snaps per game in the last month compared to the 16 snaps he was averaging early in the season. He’s also proven himself to be an asset in terms of pressures, tied for third among his teammates. And despite all this success, Ojomo’s focus remains the same: improvement. “Every year, I just try to get a little better. That’s my key,” said the 6'3", 292-pound defensive tackle. “I want to keep getting better year by year and just see where the cards lay.”
Ojomo’s journey to the NFL is as remarkable as his performance on the field. Born in Nigeria, he came to the United States in 2009 as a third grader. His family first settled in Southern California before moving to Texas, where Ojomo quickly adapted to the American school system. In Nigeria, children start school younger, which meant Ojomo found himself as a 16-year-old high school senior. Despite his late start, he caught the attention of college scouts and eventually enrolled at Texas, where he redshirted in his freshman year. By his fifth year, he was posting career highs in tackles and sacks. After graduating, Ojomo decided to declare for the NFL Draft, even though he knew it wouldn’t be easy as a late-round pick.
Ojomo is also known for his strong mindset and determination, traits he attributes to his Nigerian heritage and his upbringing. His father, Ololade, is a pastor who has taught Ojomo to “never have a better yesterday,” a phrase that fuels Ojomo’s relentless pursuit of growth. His mother, Bimbo, is equally supportive, reminding him that he’s loved no matter what. With this encouragement, Ojomo approaches his career—and life—with what he calls a “take-your-shot mentality.” He feels that freedom, knowing his family and those closest to him will support him, no matter the outcome.
Veteran Brandon Graham has noticed Ojomo’s growth and commitment this season. “He’s hungry to get it right, and that’s all you want to see,” Graham said. “He’s taking his role seriously, but he’s also having fun with it.” Ojomo’s enthusiasm and joy for the game are evident, creating an energy that resonates throughout the locker room. Losing Fletcher Cox, a veteran and pillar of the Eagles’ defensive line, was tough, but Ojomo and his fellow linemen have stepped up, each bringing something unique to the table.
The Eagles’ defensive line, with its mix of young talent, has developed a special dynamic, one that Ojomo believes stems from everyone’s willingness to learn from one another. “We’re all trying to do what one guy did for us in the room, and it helps us,” he explained. This sense of camaraderie has translated to game-day success. Ojomo’s focus isn’t just on his own role but on understanding how others see the game. “We get on the sideline and ask each other, ‘Hey, how did you handle this guy? How is he setting? What did you see?’” Ojomo shared.
A big part of Ojomo’s growth has come from watching players like Jordan Davis, who has a knack for reading offensive linemen. Ojomo has learned to pick up on subtle cues that hint at an opponent’s next move, insights that have enhanced his game awareness. Working under defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has also been instrumental in Ojomo’s development. He calls Hurtt a “genius,” appreciative of the knowledge he’s gained and the ways it has helped him level up his performance.
Ojomo uses the metaphor of ships rising with the tide to describe how the entire Eagles defense is excelling right now. It’s not just the pass rushers—although they’re playing lights out—but the secondary has also held strong in coverage, and the cornerbacks are coming up big with their tackling. When each part of the defense is performing well, the whole unit hums in perfect harmony. “That’s how you win at life,” Ojomo said. “You need the people around you.” This idea of collective success resonates deeply with Ojomo, who knows firsthand how impactful a supportive team can be.
With a finance degree and dreams of pursuing a master’s someday, Ojomo values the underdog mentality and the challenges that come with it. “It can be uncomfortable, but I think pressure makes diamonds,” he reflected. “For anyone out there, you can do whatever you want if you set your mind to it. That’s my mindset.” His story is one of grit, resilience, and staying grounded. And as he continues to improve, both he and the Eagles’ defense are positioning themselves for what could be an impressive season.
In the end, Ojomo’s story is more than just a tale of a young defensive tackle making strides in the NFL; it’s about family, perseverance, and the power of teamwork. From his roots in Nigeria to his current role on one of the league’s top defenses, Moro Ojomo embodies the Eagles’ spirit—a mix of heart, hard work, and a little bit of fun along the way. And as he keeps rising, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Ojomo and his journey with the Philadelphia Eagles.
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