This is a tough phase for Deion Sanders. He watched a handful of his Buffs stars make the leap to the pros—four drafted, four undrafted, quickly signing contracts, and some even heading to the CFL. And he also saw his 5’11”, 290-pound star’s dreams come crashing down—a guy built like a freight train. He plays like one too. But when it comes to his baby girl, this former Colorado standout still wears his heart on his sleeve, showing that even the toughest players have their soft spots.

You probably remember Chidozie Nwankwo from his Houston days. He came in as a 3-star DT in 2019, put in solid work, and made his name as the ‘Block Bully.’ Not flashy, just raw, relentless energy in the trenches. And in 2024, he turned heads when he transferred to Boulder to join Deion Sanders. And it sure wasn’t an easy call. Yeah, he left Houston. But really, he left so his daughter could have more than just birthday cakes and balloons. 

And speaking of birthdays, May 17 hits. On his Instagram story, Chidozie Nwankwo made sure to treat his little girl like the princess she is with a sweet post. Uploading a picture of his kid holding a birthday cake, he let his emotions flow in his heartfelt caption—“🥹🥹🥹🥹 Happy Birthday to my Taurus Baby 💙💙💙” This is truly a dad who loves his kid more than any weight room or practice grind. 

When Chidozie Nwankwo had to leave his daughter behind in Houston last January, he admitted, “It was tough. The overall decision was really tough for me. I’m young. I’m just 21.” But he saw the bigger picture and was hoping that someday his hard work would pay off and fortune would smile on them—“Because at the end of the day, I’m making sure my life is secure and my daughter’s life is secure for when she gets older.” So, how does a guy with that kind of heart and that kind of motor go undrafted?

That’s the million-dollar question. Chidozie Nwankwo may not be your typical over-6ft giant, but he’s a menace in the line. Last season for the Buffs, he tallied 31 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was a 2x All-Big 12 honorable mention. And at Colorado’s Pro Day, he repped out 30 bench press reps. You don’t find that kind of power and leverage every day. But here we are. No draft. No UDFA deal. Not even a minicamp invite. And this is something even Deion Sanders never expected. 

Deion Sanders’ belief in Chidozie Nwankwo 

“A child is not a mistake. A child is an opportunity to mature you,” Deion Sanders said while setting up a $2,121 account for his young Buffs players with kids last year. One of those players was Chidozie Nwankwo. He had deep respect for his coach even back then, and that bond has only grown stronger since their heartfelt conversation last February.

Before the draft, Deion Sanders and Chidozie Nwankwo had a heart-to-heart. The HC asked him what round he wanted to go for. First round. That was the DT’s instant reply. And that, of course, gave his coach more reason to believe in him with a promise. “I’m pushing you, sir. I’m back here pushing you every time a scout comes here. I’m going to say you better go get it.” And then he also dropped a quote that still echoes—“Don’t let that size fool you. That is a killer.” 

Colorado’s pass rush coordinator, Warren Sapp, another Hall of Fame believer, said in March—“Chidozie in the middle? If you find a better nose tackle in America, let me see him.” And yet? Silence. While guys like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter secured their future, Chidozie Nwankwo is still waiting. Frame over tape isn’t always a good choice. 

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Chidozie Nwankwo is a dawg with a big heart. He’s the kind of guy you want in the locker room, in the film room, and lined up over your rival’s center on 4th and 1. The NFL should wake up and see that this man’s ready.