Fully healthy again, Browns pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo sets ambitions on double-digit sack season: ‘I feel great’

HOUSTON – As part of an NFL panel focused on mental health awareness, Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo shared a strong message about the importance of supporting each other.

After sharing the stage at Dick’s Sporting Goods with free agent running back Dalvin Cook, retired Texans offensive lineman Fred Weary, NFL trainer Justin Allen and retired defensive back Michael Tyson, Okoronkwo shared another important message: his goals for next season.

The Alief Taylor graduate and former Texans starter is aiming for at least 10 sacks this season after recording 4 1/2 sacks during his first season in Cleveland with a career-high 12 tackles for losses and eight quarterback hits in 14 games and 53 percent of the defensive snaps.

“I’ll speak it into existence,” Okoronkwo told KPRC 2. “That’s the goal every year. I’m going to put in the work. I hate to say numbers, but that’s what I’m looking to get.”

The former Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year from Oklahoma joined the Browns on a three-year, $22 million maximum value deal with a base value of $19 million and $12.5 million guaranteed.

He missed time at the end of the season with a torn pectoral, but didn’t have to undergo surgery as it healed naturally on its own. He missed three games before returning for the Browns’ regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals and a playoff loss to the hometown Texans.

“I feel great,” Okoronkwo said. “I’m 100 percent ready to go.”

Okoronkwo, who is a talented photographer that documents his travels and fashion sense on social media and other outlets, won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams. He has recorded 109 career tackles, 14 sacks, 32 quarterback hits and 26 tackles for losses.

What brings a smile to his face besides football and family: giving back in the community.

“It’s everything,” Okoronkwo said. “It’s all about giving back. That’s why we do everything that we do. After being in the league this long, it’s not all about the accolades. It’s more about giving back to the community.

“It’s just like gardening. You plant those seeds in the community and you watch it grow and turn into a beautiful garden. That’s the way I look at Houston and the way I look at the youth in Houston. We just want the next generation of kids to have everything we didn’t have and be well-equipped to be high functioning members of society.”

Okoronkwo’s combination of speed and moves off the edge changed his status in the NFL and his future earnings. Installed as a starting defensive end, the Alief Taylor graduate thrived for his hometown team during the final stretch of the 2022 season. He recorded a career-high five sacks, 44 tackles, nine for losses, 11 quarterback hits and 36 pressures.

One of the few bright spots on the Texans’ defense in 2022, Okoronkwo’s one-year, $3.25 million contract expired after the 3-13-1 Texans’ final game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts.

The former Rams backup and Super Bowl winner was a strong fit in a 4-3 scheme that capitalized on his explosiveness and he had hoped to return.

Although Okoronkwo isn’t the biggest defensive end at 6-foot-1, 253 pounds, he’s strong, quick and aggressive.

“Ogbo, he’s energy, pure energy,” Browns defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said. “If you look at him, he’s always got a smile on his face. He loves the game. You can tell he really loves the game. The way he rushes, the way he attacks the line of scrimmage. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but he’s got the biggest heart. He’s a guy that you trust and rely on each play.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com