Westhill-raised American football star David Ojabo says it has been “humbling” to be recognised by the public during his two-week break back in the north-east.
The 22-year-old has returned home for the first time since being drafted by the National Football League (NFL)’s Baltimore Ravens in April – taking the opportunity which presented itself ahead of the Ravens’ pre-season camp starting up days from now.
While Ojabo’s story – which saw him head to the US for boarding school on an athletics-‘soccer’ scholarship, before rapidly ascending to the top of the college gridiron game with Michigan – has always grabbed media attention in the States and Scotland, his move into the professional ranks after just five years of playing received international coverage.
Ojabo’s profile has now reached the heights where he’s been stopped by fans and well-wishers while out and about in Aberdeen.
He said: “Ye, surprisingly, one or two everywhere I go. Just people saying ‘what’s up?’. It’s love man.
“It’s crazy, because it’s the same streets and places I used to go where no one knew me. Now it’s different, but it’s also humbling and an honour for people to recognise me.
“This is home, and when I’m in Aberdeen I’m most comfortable and I feel good.”
Ojabo has spent his holiday reconnecting with those closest to him, adding: “We have a little couple-week break from the Ravens now ahead of camp.
“So I thought I’d come home and rekindle the love with my family. And my friends came up from London, Edinburgh, so we could all come together and enjoy the time.”
Ojabo walking unaided, but staying patient in fitness fight
Outside linebacker Ojabo is still rehabbing a torn left Achilles suffered in the build-up to the high-profile Draft, one which ultimately pushed his selection back to the second round and which means it is still uncertain when he’ll take to the field for the Ravens.
Hopes are high Ojabo will be able to play for the franchise in 2022 and, when he spoke to the Press and Journal on Thursday, he was walking unaided. Personally, though, he’s staying level-headed in his approach to getting back to full fitness.
Ojabo said: “It’s steady progress.
“The guys in Baltimore, I trust them fully and I know they know what they’re doing. I just do as they say and I know everything’s going to work out for good.
“It’s heel-raises, to get your calf right. Normal flexibility and stretching to get your mobility because you’ve been in a boot and a cast.
“And, yeah, getting to – in due time – squatting to get that full leg strength back.
“It’s all a process, you can’t rush it. We’re thinking longevity, not rushing back, because I’m trying to be in the league as long as possible.
“As soon as I’m back to 100% (I’ll be back playing) – we’re not going by time.”
👑 @DavidOjabo looks the business, @Ravens! pic.twitter.com/E5YQotnW9F
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) June 16, 2022
Despite the Achilles rehab, there’s still been plenty for the rookie to absorb from his Ravens team-mates and coaches over the last period of weeks, with the 6ft 5 defensive lineman, adding: “These guys are professionals, they’ve been there. So there’s always room to learn and improve.”
‘This is a chance for me to inspire these young guys to chase their dreams’
Ojabo was chatting at Tullos’ Face Youth centre, before heading into a larger room and giving an inspirational talk to children alongside local councillor Deena Tissera.
Serving NFL players giving speeches in Scotland, let alone Aberdeen, is certainly a rarity, and only made possible by David’s unique journey – but he made it clear to the youngsters in attendance self-belief has been at the heart of all he has achieved.
Happy to be asked to talk with the next generation, he said: “They reached out to me to come speak to the youth. I couldn’t say no, because I remember when I was young and I’d try to look up to people to make it big.
“This is a chance for me to inspire these young guys to chase their dreams.
🏈 Westhill @Ravens star @DavidOjabo back and giving a talk to kids w/ @deenatissera at Face Youth in Tullos.
How could you not be inspired to chase greatness hearing this guy’s story? ⭐️
Caught up with David earlier – words @PandJSport later pic.twitter.com/8PltBWdxV6
— Ryan Cryle (@RyanCryle) July 14, 2022
“There’s a first for everything (NFL players speaking in Aberdeen), but it’s an honour to speak to these guys, inspire them a little bit in the same way I found my own inspiration through YouTube and watching other people.
“It’s just to let them know that, as the end of the day, it all starts with a dream.
“I can tell them how I didn’t even start by playing the sport I’m playing now – I just wanted to make it any way.”
