Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Odafe Oweh is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL). Born Odafe Jayson Oweh on December 15, 1998, in Hackensack, New Jersey, he comes from a Nigerian-American family with a strong tradition of athletics, education and entrepreneurship. Oweh played college football at Penn State University before the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Odafe Oweh has a close-knit family that includes his parents, Henry and Tania Oweh, and three siblings: Natasha Oweh, Irekefe Kaylen Oweh and Otega Oweh. His youngest brother, Otega, is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. While Oweh has openly discussed his Nigerian heritage and the influence of his parents, he has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Odafe Oweh’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Odafe Oweh has kept his romantic relationships relatively private throughout his professional football career.
Although the Washington Commanders linebacker has occasionally been associated with dating during his younger years, he has not publicly established the identity of a current girlfriend.
In a feature published by the Baltimore Ravens about Oweh’s friendship with fellow NFL linebacker David Ojabo, the publication revealed that Oweh had a girlfriend while attending Blair Academy in New Jersey.
According to the article, Oweh and Ojabo became close friends after meeting at the boarding school. Their shared Nigerian heritage helped them develop a strong relationship.
Ojabo recalled that Oweh spent considerable time with his girlfriend during their school years, occasionally limiting how often the two friends could spend time together.
However, the Ravens did not identify the girlfriend by name or provide information about the relationship’s duration.
That account confirms that Oweh was involved in a romantic relationship during high school, but it does not establish anything about his present dating life.
Since entering the NFL, Oweh has generally focused his public interviews on football, his family, his Nigerian heritage and charitable initiatives.
As of now, Odafe Oweh’s current girlfriend has not been publicly confirmed through reliable reporting.
Is Odafe Oweh Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Odafe Oweh is married or has a wife.
His official Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens biographies do not identify a spouse, and established sports publications have not documented a confirmed wedding announcement.
Although his high school dating history has been mentioned in NFL reporting, it should not be confused with evidence of marriage.
As of now, Oweh’s marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Odafe Oweh’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Odafe Oweh has no publicly confirmed children.
Despite becoming a prominent NFL defensive player, he has not made a widely documented public announcement identifying a son or daughter.
His official NFL biographies provide information about his parents and siblings but do not establish whether he is a father.
Similarly, established sports reporting about his personal life has not reliably confirmed that he has welcomed any children.
Oweh has demonstrated a strong interest in supporting young people through charitable activities, particularly in Nigeria, where his parents have family roots.
Through his foundation, he has helped organize youth football camps and educational opportunities for children interested in athletics.
However, his involvement in programs supporting children does not establish that he has children of his own.
As of now, there is insufficient verified public information to determine whether Odafe Oweh has any sons or daughters.
Odafe Oweh’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Odafe Oweh’s parents are Henry Oweh and Tania Oweh, both of Nigerian heritage.
Their identities are confirmed in his official Penn State University football biography and extensive reporting by the Baltimore Ravens.
His father was born in Nigeria, while his mother was born in London to Nigerian parents before spending part of her childhood in Nigeria.
According to the Ravens, Henry and Tania eventually established their family in New Jersey, where they raised four children.
The couple also operated a medical equipment business, combining entrepreneurship with their responsibilities as parents.
Both encouraged their children to pursue ambitious goals while maintaining strong connections to their Nigerian cultural background.
Henry Oweh: Odafe Oweh’s Father
Henry Oweh is the father of Washington Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Born in Nigeria, Henry later immigrated to the United States, where he and his wife Tania established their family.
According to a feature published by the Baltimore Ravens, Henry and Tania owned a medical equipment business while raising their children in New Jersey.
Henry played an important role in shaping his son’s competitive personality and work ethic.
During an interview with the Ravens, Odafe recalled that his father regularly encouraged him to pursue excellence rather than settle for ordinary achievements.
Henry also emphasized the importance of confidence, discipline and determination, principles that influenced his son’s development as an athlete.
These lessons became particularly valuable when Odafe transitioned from basketball to football during high school.
Although he initially lacked experience in organized football, he quickly developed into one of the nation’s most highly regarded defensive prospects.
Henry’s Nigerian heritage also influenced his children’s upbringing. The family’s cultural background includes connections to the Urhobo people of southern Nigeria.
In June 2025, Henry accompanied his son to Nigeria during a charitable initiative supporting the development of American football.
According to Nigerian news publication Premium Times, father and son discussed their plans to create opportunities for young athletes with representatives of the Lagos State Government.
His participation demonstrated the family’s continued connection to Nigeria and its interest in helping young people access educational and sporting opportunities.
Tania Oweh: Odafe Oweh’s Mother
Tania Oweh is the mother of Odafe Oweh and an important influence on his personal development.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Tania moved to Nigeria during her childhood before eventually settling in the United States.
She raised four children alongside her husband Henry and helped manage the family’s medical equipment business.
Tania became particularly well known among Baltimore Ravens fans after discussing the significance of her son’s decision to embrace his Nigerian first name.
During his childhood and college football career, Oweh frequently used his middle name, Jayson, because many people struggled to pronounce Odafe.
However, shortly after being selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, he announced that he wanted to be addressed by his given first name.
According to the Ravens’ official website, Tania viewed the decision as an important expression of her son’s growing appreciation for his Nigerian identity.
She explained that the meaning of Odafe’s name extends beyond financial success and includes personal well-being, relationships and community support.
One memorable family moment occurred when Oweh saw his Baltimore Ravens jersey hanging in the team’s locker room for the first time.
He immediately called his mother to show her the jersey, which displayed their family surname.
Tania became emotional while reflecting on the work her son had invested in reaching the NFL.
She had witnessed his transition from basketball to football, his development at Penn State and his eventual selection in the first round of the draft.
The moment represented an important achievement for the entire family.
Odafe Oweh’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Odafe Oweh has three siblings: one older sister named Natasha Oweh and two younger brothers named Irekefe Kaylen Oweh and Otega Oweh.
Their names are confirmed in official Penn State, Kentucky and Oklahoma athletic biographies.
All four children grew up in New Jersey, where sports and education played important roles in their development.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, the siblings were raised in an environment that encouraged confidence, hard work and a strong sense of identity.
Natasha Oweh: Odafe Oweh’s Older Sister
Natasha Oweh is the older sister of NFL linebacker Odafe Oweh and the eldest of Henry and Tania Oweh’s four children.
Her identity is documented in the official Penn State University biography of Odafe and the university’s basketball biography of their brother Irekefe.
Unlike her younger brothers, who have received significant public attention through college and professional sports, Natasha has generally maintained a more private life.
She grew up alongside Odafe, Kaylen and Otega in the family’s Nigerian-American household in New Jersey.
Her name also appears in the official University of Kentucky and University of Oklahoma biographies of her youngest brother, Otega.
Although Natasha has been associated with the family’s sporting background, detailed information about her education, occupation and personal relationships has not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
As of now, Natasha Oweh remains Odafe’s only publicly identified sister.
Irekefe Kaylen Oweh: Odafe Oweh’s Younger Brother
Irekefe Kaylen Oweh, commonly known as Kaylen Oweh, is one of Odafe Oweh’s younger brothers.
Like his siblings, Kaylen developed a strong interest in athletics while growing up in New Jersey.
He attended Rutgers Preparatory School, where he played basketball and established himself as a productive high school athlete.
According to his official Penn State basketball biography, Kaylen recorded approximately 700 points, 250 rebounds, 110 assists and 80 steals during his high school career.
He began his college basketball journey at St. Thomas Aquinas College before transferring to Penn State University.
During the 2021-22 season, he appeared in two games for the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s basketball team.
Kaylen subsequently transitioned to American football, joining Clarion University before moving to Monmouth University.
At Monmouth, he played as a defensive back, appearing in two games during the 2024 season.
His official Monmouth biography confirms that he is the son of Henry and Tania Oweh and the younger brother of Odafe Oweh.
Although Kaylen has pursued a different athletic journey from his older brother, their shared experiences demonstrate the family’s strong connection to competitive sports.
Otega Oweh: Odafe Oweh’s Youngest Brother
Otega Oweh is the youngest brother of Odafe Oweh and a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Born on June 21, 2003, in New Jersey, Otega grew up watching his older siblings pursue competitive athletics.
He attended Blair Academy, the same New Jersey preparatory school where Odafe developed into a highly regarded football prospect.
Unlike his older brother, Otega remained focused on basketball and became one of the leading high school guards in his recruiting class.
He began his college basketball career at the University of Oklahoma, where he played two seasons for the Sooners.
In 2024, he transferred to the University of Kentucky, joining one of the most successful programs in American college basketball history.
At Kentucky, Otega developed into an important offensive contributor and earned All-Southeastern Conference recognition.
During the 2025-26 college basketball season, he averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
His performances helped establish him as a prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.
In June 2026, Otega was selected with the 41st overall pick, with his draft rights acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He subsequently signed a two-way contract with Oklahoma City in July 2026.
His entry into the NBA meant that the Oweh family had produced professional athletes in two of America’s most prominent sporting leagues.
While Odafe established himself as an NFL outside linebacker, his youngest brother pursued a professional career in basketball.
Odafe Oweh’s Nigerian Heritage and the Meaning of His Name
Odafe Oweh’s Nigerian heritage has played an important role in his identity.
Although he was born in the United States, his parents raised him with strong connections to their Nigerian roots.
His father, Henry, comes from a Nigerian family with Urhobo heritage, while his mother, Tania, has Nigerian ancestry.
The name Odafe has roots in the Urhobo language and is commonly interpreted as meaning a wealthy or prosperous individual.
However, his family views prosperity as something that extends beyond money to include health, relationships and opportunities.
During his childhood, Odafe often used the name Jayson because other people found his Nigerian first name difficult to pronounce.
That changed during the 2021 NFL Draft.
After the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 31st overall pick, he publicly announced that he wanted to be known as Odafe rather than Jayson.
His decision represented a personal commitment to embracing his cultural identity.
According to the Ravens, his mother Tania was particularly moved by the announcement because she understood the significance of the name chosen for him at birth.
Odafe Oweh’s Foundation and Charitable Work in Nigeria
Odafe Oweh has used his professional football career to support youth development and community initiatives, particularly in Nigeria.
Through Oweh’s Foundation for Opportunity, he has helped organize football camps designed to introduce young people to American football.
In June 2025, Oweh joined fellow Nigerian-connected NFL players Nnamdi Madubuike and David Ojabo at a youth football camp in Lagos.
The event attracted more than 100 young participants and introduced them to football training, athletic development and potential educational opportunities.
According to Oweh’s official foundation website, the program was intended to help young athletes discover their abilities and learn about opportunities to pursue education through sport.
His family connection to Nigeria made the initiative especially meaningful.
Rather than viewing Nigeria solely as his parents’ country of origin, Oweh has sought to maintain an active relationship with its communities.
His foundation also supports initiatives addressing hunger, homelessness and the needs of single-parent households.
These projects reflect his interest in creating opportunities for young people beyond professional football.
Odafe Oweh’s Early Life and NFL Career
Odafe Jayson Oweh was born on December 15, 1998, in Hackensack, New Jersey.
He grew up in Howell, New Jersey, and initially focused on basketball rather than American football.
His athletic ambitions changed after transferring to Blair Academy, where football coach Jim Saylor encouraged him to try playing the sport.
Although Oweh had limited experience, his physical abilities and determination quickly attracted attention from college recruiters.
During his senior season at Blair Academy, he recorded 60 tackles, 13 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
He subsequently committed to Penn State University, where he played college football from 2018 through 2020.
His performances earned him first-team All-Big Ten recognition from the conference’s coaches in 2020.
Following his college career, the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Oweh quickly became an important contributor to Baltimore’s defensive unit.
During his rookie season, he recorded five sacks and three forced fumbles, earning recognition on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
In 2024, he produced a career-high 10 sacks for the Ravens.
During the 2025 season, Baltimore traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded 7.5 sacks across 12 regular-season games.
In March 2026, Oweh signed a multi-year contract with the Washington Commanders.
His journey from a basketball-focused teenager in New Jersey to an established NFL pass rusher has been shaped by his athletic abilities, personal determination and the support of his Nigerian-American family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Odafe Oweh’s Family
Who is Odafe Oweh’s girlfriend?
Odafe Oweh has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. Baltimore Ravens reporting indicates that he had a girlfriend during high school, but her name and his present relationship status have not been established.
Is Odafe Oweh married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Odafe Oweh is married or has a wife.
Does Odafe Oweh have children?
Odafe Oweh has no publicly confirmed children. He has not made a widely documented announcement identifying a son or daughter.
Who are Odafe Oweh’s parents?
His parents are Henry Oweh and Tania Oweh. Both have Nigerian roots and raised their four children in New Jersey.
Who is Odafe Oweh’s father?
Odafe Oweh’s father is Henry Oweh, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur who operated a medical equipment business with his wife Tania.
Who is Odafe Oweh’s mother?
Odafe Oweh’s mother is Tania Oweh. She was born in London to Nigerian parents and later raised her family in the United States.
How many siblings does Odafe Oweh have?
Odafe Oweh has three siblings: one older sister, Natasha Oweh, and two younger brothers, Irekefe Kaylen Oweh and Otega Oweh.
Who is Odafe Oweh’s sister?
His sister is Natasha Oweh, the eldest of Henry and Tania Oweh’s four children.
Who is Odafe Oweh’s brother Kaylen?
Irekefe Kaylen Oweh is Odafe’s younger brother. He played college basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas and Penn State before pursuing college football at Clarion and Monmouth.
Is Otega Oweh related to Odafe Oweh?
Yes. Otega Oweh is Odafe Oweh’s youngest brother. He is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.
Are Odafe Oweh’s parents Nigerian?
Yes. His father was born in Nigeria, while his mother was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent part of her childhood in Nigeria.
What is Odafe Oweh’s real name?
His full name is Odafe Jayson Oweh. He previously used his middle name, Jayson, before publicly embracing his Nigerian first name during the 2021 NFL Draft.
What does Odafe mean?
Odafe is a name associated with the Urhobo language of southern Nigeria and is commonly interpreted as meaning a wealthy or prosperous individual.
Where is Odafe Oweh from?
Odafe Oweh was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, and grew up in Howell, New Jersey. His parents have Nigerian roots.
Which NFL team does Odafe Oweh play for?
Odafe Oweh plays outside linebacker for the Washington Commanders. He joined the franchise in March 2026 after previously playing for the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
