Obi Ezeh, a former standout linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines who briefly played for the Washington Redskins, has passed away at the age of 36, according to announcements from both the school and his family.
Ezeh’s mother shared the news of his death on Facebook on Sunday.
“My very own! My Obi. My #2. My heart. My father’s heart. My quiet giant!” she wrote alongside a picture of herself and her son. “Grandchild of an elephant. Journey well to your maker oo. Mother Mary, please hold his hands for me. St. Peter, open the gate for him as the celestial choirs marshal him into Jesus. My Obinna Ezeh, you will always be in my heart, my beloved son.”
The University of Michigan also confirmed Ezeh’s passing, posting on X: “We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine linebacker Obi Ezeh. Our prayers go out to his family, friends, and former teammates. May he rest in peace.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Ezeh played 49 games during his collegiate career at Michigan from 2007 to 2010, recording 292 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, along with two interceptions. He was part of Michigan’s Capital One Bowl win during the 2007 season and the 2010 team that made the Gator Bowl. Ezeh earned All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention in 2008 and was on the Dick Butkus Award watchlist in 2009.
After declaring for the NFL Draft following the 2010 season, Ezeh went undrafted but had a brief stint with the Washington Redskins before being waived.
