Tribute To An Accomplished American Footballer, late Obinna Pius Ezeh, 1988 - 2024

A memorial mass was held for Obinna "Obi" Pius Jnr. Ezeh, 36, of Grand Rapids, MI, USA, who died in his sleep in America, on June 3, 2024, at St Charles Catholic  Church, Aji, Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Obinna, was widely known known as an accomplished American footballer, even as his family and friends knew  him as a man of faith and family with a kind and compassionate heart- a gentle giant. He was a remarkable and resilient individual, whose impact extended far beyond his reach.
Obi was born on February 2, 1998 in Grand Rapids to Chief Pius and Professor Nkechy Ezeh. Rooted in Catholic faith, he was baptized at the Cathedral of St Andrew and attended Catholic schools throughout his elementary and secondary school years; St Andrew's Catholic School, St Joseph's Catholic School and Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School.
A decorated and respected student- athlete, Obi played multiple sports including American football, basketball, track and field and rugby. His hard work, talent, and determination led him to first gain recognition in high school as a member of the Catholic Central High School varsity football team where he was a three- year, two- way starter, playing multiple positions, including running back and linebacker from 2003 - 2005. 
He set the school's rushing period of 3,189 yards and helped lead the 2005 team to the MHSAA Division 4 State Championship game.
He was also, a member of the school's three- time state champion high school rugby team from 2003 - 2006. In 2021, he was inducted into the Catholic Central Athletic Hall- of- Fame.
A proud Michigan man, Obi matriculated to the University of Michigan on a full - ride athletic scholarship. From 2006- 2010, he played 50 games with 293 career tackles. In 2007, he was a freshman All - American, with College Football News- First Term and Sporting News- Second Team honours. As a red- shirt sophomore, he received the Roger Zatkoff Award, which is given to the University of Michigan's top linebacker. Additionally, he was Big Ten Honourable Mention and a collegiate semi- finalist for the national Dick Butkus Award for Outstanding Linebacker.
In his final season, he served as one of the team's captains. Obi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Following graduation, he was briefly signed at a free agent to the Washington Redskins (Commanders).
In a search to establish and align himself beyond football,Obi explored various careers in business, especially non- profit research and fund development for organisations that were helping vulnerable and marginalized populations. This work, along with a curiosity to further explore his culture, drew him back to his ancestral home in Nigeria, where he completed the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and served at the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board, PEF,.
For several years, he began to lay the foundation for developing holistic and comprehensive community spaces centered on youth empowerment, integrating his passion for sports, chess and leadership development. He emphasized the importance of building and external strengths at a young age. He wanted to use the game of chess to teach critical thinking and problem- solving skills. He co- developed local flag football leagues, working towards his goal of bringing American football to Nigeria. Additionally, he advocated and partnered with the Nigerian Ministry of Youth and Sports for governmental funding for youth programming.
To drive a larger impact on a global scale, he had recently returned to Michigan with plans to pursue a graduate degree in international affairs and business. Obi was dedicated to empowering others to be their best selves. A gentle soul, he was happiest, when on the sidelines, supporting, uplifting and celebrating others. He was a man of few words, but his love was so loud. With an inquisitive mind and an ever present thirst for knowledge, he was always thinking, questioning and challenging the status- quo. He had a love for culture, history, music, film, nature and cuisine. Though his time on Earth has come to an end, his legacy will forever live on.
He is survived by his parents, Chief Pius and Professor Nkechy Ezeh, his sisters- Onyinye Ezeh- Kelley Gemyhl and his nephew Kasan Chidozie, Kay Ezeh, Nnenna Ezeh- Williams, Gya, and Nkechy Nicole - Ezeh, his godson, Nnadozie Ekere, his fiancé Ms Christie Ochu and a host of extended Nigerian and American families and friends. Today and  everyday, may we continue to celebrate his life. Rest on Obi. We love you always. 
Pius & Nkechy Ezeh.