Original article by Teresa Varley at the Pittsburgh Steelers

 

For Larry Ogunjobi, being ‘the first’ is something that just seems to be a part of his life.

Ogunjobi was a member of the University of Charlotte’s first-ever recruiting class and played for the 49ers in their inaugural season.

He was the first from the school to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, he made the first tackle for a loss in school history and was also the first one from the school to be named to a national award watchlist when he was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award and Outland Trophy watchlists.

Ogunjobi was even asked by his college coach, Brad Lambert, to be the first in school history to wear ‘No. 49,’ representing the school’s nickname of the ’49ers.’

It’s no surprise, with the impact he made at Charlotte, that he was the first in school history to be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and the first player from the school to be selected in the NFL Draft.

It’s those firsts, plus some that are way more meaningful in his life, that inspired him to create the First of Many Foundation.

And now, he has the potential to add another first to that list.

Ogunjobi could become the first Nigerian born player to win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Ogunjobi is the Steelers nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide, an honor he more than deserves with the way he truly gives from the heart.

Ogunjobi learned of his nomination during a team meeting this week, when Cameron Heyward, the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, surprised him with the news.

“I have had the privilege of winning this award,” said Heyward as he made the announcement. “It’s about what Walter Payton stands for, being a good man on the field, off the field. (Larry) does a lot, doesn’t say a lot, but we get the privilege of seeing all of his work.”

Ogunjobi was humbled by the honor, but knows it’s what he should be doing.

“We’ve got an obligation to give,” said Ogunjobi during the meeting. “God has blessed us in tremendous ways. Our opportunity to give back to people is big. When you have an opportunity to put the light somewhere other than yourself, you have a chance to really make a difference. Let this be an example, anybody can do it, you guys can do it. Keep striving for greatness.”

When he left the meeting, he was still feeling the same way, blessed to be considered for the honor, but also knowing it’s what anyone in his place should do.

“It’s an honor and blessing,” said Ogunjobi. “You’ve seen guys who have worn that mantle at the highest level, like Cam who actually won it last year. You see the work that he’s put in and his dedication to serve and to help people. Life is all about helping and giving back. And we have an obligation as professional athletes to do the same.

“I feel blessed to be in this position, and I’m just excited to be able to continue to push this narrative in the right direction.”

Ogunjobi is hoping he sets an example for younger players, being someone they can follow in the path of giving back.

“I think it’s very important because when you’re in a space, and obviously we we’re all about football and doing what we’ve got to do to win and make plays, and that’s amazingly important,” said Ogunjobi. “But at the same time, giving back and helping others and being a light in this world I think is just as important as well.”