Former Teammate has High Praise for New Browns Pass Rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo officially signed a three-year, $19 million contract with the Browns on Wednesday. The contract includes $12.5 million guaranteed and the opportunity for him to earn up to $22 million in incentives.
I spoke to a former teammate of his on the phone who most importantly offered a nickname that he uses instead of pronouncing his full name every time he talks with him.
"O-Beezy," the player told me. "That's what I called him."
The former teammate of his also told me what to expect from him on the field, as well as how vital is was for him to learn behind a future Hall of Famer in Von Miller during his time with the Los Angeles Rams.
The player talked about how dominant he is and what Okoronkwo can achieve by playing across from Browns superstar edge-rusher Myles Garrett.
"They can achieve a lot [together]," he said. "With Myles on the outside, teams were already double teaming him and trying to key in on him. I think it's going to open it up for both of them so really the sky is the limit for what they can achieve."
Okoronkwo will offer the Browns a lot on the field, including strength, athleticism and explosiveness.
The teammate told me a story that he recalled during the first time the two of them were training together.
"I remember just looking at the trainer one time when he went through [the drill] like his steps were so long and he was like just so powerful and athletic," he told me. "The trainer was like I'm going to have to create some different drills for him because he's so explosive."
Off the field, his former teammate described him as "laid back" and "calm, cool and collected." He also acknowledged that once you get to know Okoronkwo, "he's a funny guy."
General manager Andrew Berry and the Browns have made a point in signing players with good character on and off the field in recent years, which is exactly what Okoronkwo brings.
His talent is there and Okoronkwo is expected to continue getting better over time, especially with Myles Garrett as his partner in crime.
