After five seasons in the NFL, former Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi is retiring from professional football.
Adeniyi, who joined the Titans as a free agent in 2021 and played 19 games over two seasons, made his retirement announcement in a social media post on Wednesday night.
Before his time with the Titans, Adeniyi was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. He spent three seasons with Pittsburgh, where he emerged as a standout on special teams.
In his Instagram announcement, Adeniyi shared:
“Football was never part of my plan when I came to America. I dreamed of becoming the next Ronaldinho—yes, it sounds amusing now, but that was my goal. However, a few fast food restaurants changed that dream, igniting a new one.
“Football has taken me to places I never thought possible. From receiving a full-ride scholarship to playing multiple years in the league, I can walk this earth knowing I’m among the elite. The sport has provided me with a foundation to face any challenge and has blessed me with incredible relationships and camaraderie.
“When I left school early to pursue this new dream, I knew it would be a tough journey. But I remained focused and worked tirelessly, aiming to achieve a goal few ever reach—playing double-digit years in the NFL.
“Today, I can finally conclude that chapter. I believe God guides us to pivot and embrace new beginnings when the time is right. At 26, I’m thankful for what my 20-year-old self achieved. It’s time to start a new chapter.
“I am deeply grateful to football for transforming not just my life, but my family’s as well. I want to thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for believing in a young Nigerian kid, and the Tennessee Titans for helping him grow into a man. I’m eager for what’s next.
Adeniyi, originally from Nigeria, moved to the United States at age six and made a name for himself at Toledo, finishing his final season with 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
During his first season with the Titans, Adeniyi recorded a career-high 2.5 sacks, but his 2022 season was cut short due to a neck injury, limiting him to just three games. He was released by the Titans in December of that year and came close to rejoining the Steelers, but failed his physical.
Adeniyi, who joined the Titans as a free agent in 2021 and played 19 games over two seasons, made his retirement announcement in a social media post on Wednesday night.
Before his time with the Titans, Adeniyi was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. He spent three seasons with Pittsburgh, where he emerged as a standout on special teams.
In his Instagram announcement, Adeniyi shared:
“Football was never part of my plan when I came to America. I dreamed of becoming the next Ronaldinho—yes, it sounds amusing now, but that was my goal. However, a few fast food restaurants changed that dream, igniting a new one.
“Football has taken me to places I never thought possible. From receiving a full-ride scholarship to playing multiple years in the league, I can walk this earth knowing I’m among the elite. The sport has provided me with a foundation to face any challenge and has blessed me with incredible relationships and camaraderie.
“When I left school early to pursue this new dream, I knew it would be a tough journey. But I remained focused and worked tirelessly, aiming to achieve a goal few ever reach—playing double-digit years in the NFL.
“Today, I can finally conclude that chapter. I believe God guides us to pivot and embrace new beginnings when the time is right. At 26, I’m thankful for what my 20-year-old self achieved. It’s time to start a new chapter.
“I am deeply grateful to football for transforming not just my life, but my family’s as well. I want to thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for believing in a young Nigerian kid, and the Tennessee Titans for helping him grow into a man. I’m eager for what’s next.
“#92 out.”
Adeniyi, originally from Nigeria, moved to the United States at age six and made a name for himself at Toledo, finishing his final season with 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
During his first season with the Titans, Adeniyi recorded a career-high 2.5 sacks, but his 2022 season was cut short due to a neck injury, limiting him to just three games. He was released by the Titans in December of that year and came close to rejoining the Steelers, but failed his physical.