Chukky Okobi

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Chukwunweze Sonume Okobi or "Chukky Okobi" (born November 18, 1978 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is an American football offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He is 6'1 and weighs 318 lbs. He attended Trinity Pawling High School in New York, where he was All-conference twice. Now, he is also involved in real estate investment and is a principle partner in the Prodigy Group, Inc.

[edit] College career

Okobi attended Purdue University, where he majored in telecommunications. After redshirting as a freshman, he started 12 games at right guard for the Boilermakers. The following season, he played 11 games at guard and two at center. The offensive line as a whole allowed only 16 sacks all season (one every 37.1 pass attempts). He injured his arm before the 1999 season, but he came back and started the final six games of the season; the offensive line improved to allow a sack every 37.9 attempts. In his senior year, he switched to center and started every game. He was the starting center in the Rose Bowl.

[edit] Pro career

He was selected with the 15th pick of the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He has placed in many games since then, usually platooning the center position with Jeff Hartings, and replacing Hartings when he is injured or otherwise unable to play. His role as a starter may be secured in 2006 with the possible retirement of Jeff Hartings (current starting center for the Pittsburgh Steelers). During the 2006 season, Hartings suffered a minor knee injury that thrust Okobi into action: he started the last five games.