Chargers News: International Signee Notches First-Ever Sack in Football Debut

He played his first-ever football game on Saturday night

The Los Angeles Chargers earned themselves the first of what hopefully is many wins in 2023. The Bolts dominated all facets of the game against their rival Rams in their first game against opposing competition. 

Although it was just preseason, it's nice to get the win and have those fringe players and rookies let their game do the talking. The Charger rookies did their thing in their first outing, and other guys fighting for a spot on the depth chart did so, including defensive lineman CJ Okoye. 

Okoye played in his first ever football game; yes, football game, not NFL but football. However, you never would have guessed as he recorded his first-ever sack taking down Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett as his teammates went nuts. 

CJ Okoye had never played in an organized football game until last night.

The Nigerian native attended the @NFLAfrica Camp last year & was signed by the @chargers through the International Player Pathway program.

He got his first sack in his first game EVER. 💙 @Cj_dlion12 pic.twitter.com/SJO5oo8y1U

— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023

First football game of his entire life. He gets a sack. You can’t make this stuff up. @chargers Sideline going crazy. Only in the @NFL @Cj_dlion12 @NFLAfrica #IPP pic.twitter.com/0vInPW1pIT

— OSI (@OsiUmenyiora) August 13, 2023

The Bolts signed the Nigerian athlete as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. He is one of six Nigerian players in the International Player Pathway. 

Head coach Brandon Staley talked about the special moment for Okoye and the support his teammates showed him. 

“It’s a historic performance,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “This guy, as you guys know, his story is remarkable. The International Pathway Program, this guy’s never played in a game. For him to go in his first NFL game to have a sack, our guys said if he gets a sack we were going to get a 15-yard [celebration penalty]. You saw that sideline, that’s what the NFL’s about, great stories like that. Game ball for CJ and a memorable moment for our whole team.”

(via NBC Sports)

The 21-year-old is a longshot to make the 53-man roster, but if he can continue to make an impact, he could very well end up in the practice squad. 

It's great to see stories like this, and hopefully, for Okoye, his journey isn't done, and we see him with the Bolts in one way or another. 

Congratulations, CJ!