Efe Obada, a former NFL player, is set to establish the Efe Obada Foundation, aimed at supporting young people from foster care systems in South London. The initiative reflects his commitment to giving back to the community that shaped his upbringing and is heavily influenced by his own experiences as a child in foster care.
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At just 34 years old, the defensive lineman reflects on the incredible journey that led him from a troubled childhood to the heights of professional football. Obada, who is notably the first NFL player to transition directly from a European football league, has encountered numerous challenges throughout his life, including living in several foster homes before the age of 18. Now, he wants to use his accomplishments to foster hope and opportunity for others in similar situations.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Obada expressed disbelief at his current success. “It’s insane,” he remarked while observing young children from a Brixton foster care system engage in flag football in a local park, close to where he spent his own formative years. He reminisced about his tumultuous past, recalling the lack of guidance he received during his youth. “There was no one there showing me the way when I was younger or making it seem like anything was possible,” he said. It is this absence of support that fuels his motivation to become a source of encouragement for today’s youth.
The Efe Obada Foundation is designed to empower young people aged 11 to 25 who have experience in the foster care system. Obada’s vision involves using sports as a way to create a safe and inclusive environment that enables participants to feel valued and heard. He hopes to provide them with access to opportunities that he himself never encountered during his childhood. “It’s possible. Because look at me: I did it,” he added, emphasising his desire to inspire young people to reach for their dreams.
Obada’s decision to launch this foundation coincides with his retirement from professional football, a move he described as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his life. While he acknowledges his long and varied career in the NFL, he sees this foundation as his true legacy and life’s purpose. With the support of his wife and the backing of the NFL, he aims to create a lasting community hub in South London through the foundation.
The former player’s journey into football was unorthodox. Initially, he had never played the sport until he was 22. He transitioned to football after a friend encouraged him to try out for a local team, the London Warriors. His athletic talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading him to a significant opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys, which ultimately changed the trajectory of his life.
Obada’s early years were fraught with difficulties. He was born in Nigeria and later moved to the Netherlands with his mother and sister. Following a harrowing turn of events, they were abandoned and left to navigate a troubled childhood within the foster care system. His experiences included encounters with neglect and abuse, casting a long shadow over his formative years. “I was placed in homes where families would treat us as domestic slaves,” he recounted, highlighting the harsh realities many foster children face.
After leaving the system, Obada struggled with his identity and a lack of documentation, which hindered his ability to find stable employment. He faced challenges that pushed him towards potential gang involvement as a means of survival. However, discovering football provided him with an essential outlet and a chance to escape the difficulties of his past.
As he reflects on his journey, Obada emphasises that football offered him far more than just a career; it provided him with camaraderie, a sense of belonging, and the financial means to pursue a better life. “I don’t identify as an NFL player,” he stated. “This is my legacy. This is my life’s purpose.”
Following his retirement, which came after an injury during a game with the Washington Commanders, Obada experienced a sense of loss as he navigated life outside of football. In his search for purpose, he discovered fulfilment in establishing the foundation. The initiative aims to create direct engagement through activities such as flag football, which recently took place in a park he once called home.
By leveraging his platform and resources, Obada hopes to inspire others. “This is a game that changed my life,” he said. “The same way someone opened the door for me and gave me an opportunity, I want to do the same for them.” Through his foundation, Obada aspires to change lives, ensuring that young people have the chance to create their own remarkable stories, just as he has done.