‘Biggest Chiefs fan’ Anudike-Uzomah drafted by Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BVM) – It’s hard to imagine the emotions Felix Anudike-Uzomah was feeling during the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. Not only was he selected, but he was also chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs, a team the Kansas City native cheered for growing up, while the draft was being held in his hometown for the first time.
“I’m the biggest Chiefs fan,” Anudike-Uzomah said Thursday night. “When [defensive end] George [Karlaftis] got drafted last year, I was jumping up and down just like any other fan. It’s crazy to be on the other side of it now. This is unbelievable…I’m just happy, especially in my city.”
Anudike-Uzomah’s journey to his hometown team was not a cakewalk by any means. Born and raised in Kansas City, the defensive end attended Lee’s Summit High School where he played on the varsity team for three years. He earned all-district honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association over his final three seasons and was second-team all-state as a junior and first-team all-state as a senior. In total, the defender recorded 184 tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over his three-year career.
Despite his all-state performances, Anudike-Uzomah was lightly recruited out of high school earning a three-star ranking and only six scholarship offers, mostly to FCS schools. Fortunately for Anudike-Uzomah, he was offered by the Wildcats just two days before the early signing period of his senior year. He committed to Kansas State in December 2019.
— Felix Anudike-Uzomah🇳🇬 (@fanudike) December 18, 2019
Once with the program, Anudike-Uzomah quickly rose to be a contributor. As a true freshman, he played in five games where he recorded three tackles and a sack on the year, the sack coming against in-state rival Kansas. He was one of just nine true freshmen to earn playing time that season.
As a sophomore, the defensive end exploded onto the scene as he recorded 51 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. This helped him earn first-team All-Big 12 honors as well as third-team All-America honors from Phil Steele.
No better way to start your morning than with new draft pick highlights 🤷@fanudike | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/8EXdu6w9Sj
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 28, 2023
During his junior season, Anundike-Uzomah kept up his torrid pace as he recorded 46 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on his way to Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was also named second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, American Football Writers Association, American Football Coaches Association and CBS Sports and third-team honors from the Associated Press. He declared for the draft in January.
Thank you Wildcat nation for all your support throughout my college career. 🤞🏾💜 pic.twitter.com/FxfytzOIdn
— Felix Anudike-Uzomah🇳🇬 (@fanudike) January 12, 2023
The special draft day moment wasn’t lost on the Chiefs or their staff members either.
“He was super excited,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said following the draft. “It’s one thing obviously just to get drafted into the NFL but then to have a local kid get that call on draft night while the draft is being held in Kansas City needless to say he was excited and obviously the conversation went really well.”
“I think it’s neat,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “The draft’s right here in Kansas City. I know the people at the draft were excited, we had it on the TV and they were fired up about it. Kansas State, Kansas City and then the draft, I think that’s a real positive.”
The moment @fanudike joined the Kingdom 👑 pic.twitter.com/UodqeDmm6a
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 28, 2023
With his NFL destination now determined, Anundike-Uzomah, fortunately, won’t have to go far to begin the next part of his football journey. As a Kansas City native and lifelong Chiefs fan, Anundike-Uzomah will now be tasked with bringing his favorite team back to the Super Bowl and some championships over the course of his career.
