Eastern Michigan Athletics
Former Eagle Thomas Odukoya Joins Tennessee Titans
5/3/2022 10:54:00 AM | Football
Odukoya is one of four players in the NFL's International Player Pathway program
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (EMUEagles.com) - Former Eastern Michigan University tight end Thomas Odukoya (Almere, Netherlands-Helen Parkhurst (Garden City)) has joined the Tennessee Titans organization of the National Football League (NFL), the team and league announced today, May 3. Odukoya is one of just four athletes, paired down from 13 originally, selected for a spot in the NFL's International Player Pathway program.
Instituted in 2017, the program aims to provide elite international athletes the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. Last season, two players who entered the NFL through the IPP program, Jakob Johnson of the New England Patriots and Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles, recorded their 1000th career snap. They join Efe Obada of the Buffalo Bills in IPP players to reach this milestone in their NFL Career.
Given the program's success to date, the NFL widened its search for international talent, hosting combines in England and Mexico this past October with 56 players from 16 countries participating. In 2022, the league identified 13 top athletes from nine countries, including Odukoya, that competed for a place in the program.
"The International Player Pathway program is an important part of our ongoing efforts to help ensure the best athletes in the world are playing in the NFL – regardless of their country of origin," said Damani Leech, NFL Chief Operating Officer of International. "We are excited to have players from around the world competing for a spot in the 2022 program."
Odukoya will now join the Titans' practice squad. At the conclusion of training camp, he and the other players in the IPP program will be eligible for an international player practice squad exemption with his assigned team. This grants the assigned team an extra practice squad member. Under certain parameters, players can also be elevated to the active roster during the regular season.
Considered one of the most prolific blocking tight ends in the nation, Odukoya was one of the leaders, on and off the field, for Eastern Michigan. A 2021 team captain and former bearer of the No. 2, "Deuce" jersey, Odukoya was impressive in his senior campaign. A multiple-time watch list honoree for the Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy, and Mackey Award, Odukoya hauled in 13 receptions for 130 yards in 2021. He scored a touchdown in EMU's game at Bowling Green, Oct. 23, and started each contest for the Eagles this season. Odukoya earned a spot on the All-MAC third team as a senior.
For the most up-to-date information on EMU football, visit EMUEagles.com or follow the team on social media, at @EMUFB.
NFL Draft Picks Under Creighton (3)
Maxx Crosby - 2019
Pat O'Connor - 2017
Darius Jackson - 2016
NFL Free Agent Signees/Mini-camp Invites Under Creighton (22)
Thomas Odukoya - 2022
Jake Julien - 2022
Mathew Sexton - 2021
Kevin McGill - 2020
Steven Nielsen - 2020
Jeremiah Harris - 2019
Blake Banham - 2019
Ka'John Armstrong - 2019
Sergio Bailey II - 2018
Juan Giraldo - 2018
Brogan Roback - 2018
Ike Spearman - 2018
Andrew Wylie - 2017
Cole Gardner - 2017
DaQuan Pace - 2017
Clay Dawson - 2016
Rob Bolden - 2015
Willie Creear - 2015
Lincoln Hansen - 2015
Bronson Hill - 2015
Kevin Johnson - 2015
Tyreese Russell - 2015
Instituted in 2017, the program aims to provide elite international athletes the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. Last season, two players who entered the NFL through the IPP program, Jakob Johnson of the New England Patriots and Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles, recorded their 1000th career snap. They join Efe Obada of the Buffalo Bills in IPP players to reach this milestone in their NFL Career.
Given the program's success to date, the NFL widened its search for international talent, hosting combines in England and Mexico this past October with 56 players from 16 countries participating. In 2022, the league identified 13 top athletes from nine countries, including Odukoya, that competed for a place in the program.
"The International Player Pathway program is an important part of our ongoing efforts to help ensure the best athletes in the world are playing in the NFL – regardless of their country of origin," said Damani Leech, NFL Chief Operating Officer of International. "We are excited to have players from around the world competing for a spot in the 2022 program."
Odukoya will now join the Titans' practice squad. At the conclusion of training camp, he and the other players in the IPP program will be eligible for an international player practice squad exemption with his assigned team. This grants the assigned team an extra practice squad member. Under certain parameters, players can also be elevated to the active roster during the regular season.
Considered one of the most prolific blocking tight ends in the nation, Odukoya was one of the leaders, on and off the field, for Eastern Michigan. A 2021 team captain and former bearer of the No. 2, "Deuce" jersey, Odukoya was impressive in his senior campaign. A multiple-time watch list honoree for the Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy, and Mackey Award, Odukoya hauled in 13 receptions for 130 yards in 2021. He scored a touchdown in EMU's game at Bowling Green, Oct. 23, and started each contest for the Eagles this season. Odukoya earned a spot on the All-MAC third team as a senior.
For the most up-to-date information on EMU football, visit EMUEagles.com or follow the team on social media, at @EMUFB.
NFL Draft Picks Under Creighton (3)
Maxx Crosby - 2019
Pat O'Connor - 2017
Darius Jackson - 2016
NFL Free Agent Signees/Mini-camp Invites Under Creighton (22)
Thomas Odukoya - 2022
Jake Julien - 2022
Mathew Sexton - 2021
Kevin McGill - 2020
Steven Nielsen - 2020
Jeremiah Harris - 2019
Blake Banham - 2019
Ka'John Armstrong - 2019
Sergio Bailey II - 2018
Juan Giraldo - 2018
Brogan Roback - 2018
Ike Spearman - 2018
Andrew Wylie - 2017
Cole Gardner - 2017
DaQuan Pace - 2017
Clay Dawson - 2016
Rob Bolden - 2015
Willie Creear - 2015
Lincoln Hansen - 2015
Bronson Hill - 2015
Kevin Johnson - 2015
Tyreese Russell - 2015
Players Mentioned
P
/ Football
TE
/ FootballNational Signing Day - Behind the Scenes
Wednesday, December 03
2026 EMU Football Early Signing Day Show
Wednesday, December 03
EMU Football Signing Day: Aaron Kearse
Wednesday, December 03
EMU Football Signing Day: Adon Turner
Wednesday, December 03