David Njoku Injury Update, What Happened to David Njoku? Will David Njoku Play in Week 17?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Dec 27, 2023
David Njoku Injury Update
In Monday's practice, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku was initially considered a non-participant due to a knee issue, but on Tuesday, he made progress by being listed as limited in practice. Despite the knee concern, Njoku's designation as "resting" suggests a positive outlook, indicating a good chance of his participation in the upcoming game against the Jets on Thursday night. This development is promising for the Browns, as Njoku's potential availability would bolster their offensive options.
Alongside Njoku, running back Kareem Hunt also transitioned from being out to a limited participant in practice. Dealing with a groin injury, Hunt's improvement in status aligns with Njoku's, providing the Browns with hope for a reinforced roster against the Jets. The combined efforts of Njoku and Hunt could prove crucial for Cleveland, as they aim to secure a victory while managing their player roster amidst various injuries and limitations across multiple positions.
Who is David Njoku?
David Njoku is an American football tight end currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). Njoku had his collegiate football career at the University of Miami in Florida, showcasing his skills and athleticism on the field. His talent and performance at the college level garnered attention, leading to his selection by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. As a tight end, Njoku plays a crucial role in the Browns' offensive strategy, utilizing his physicality and receiving abilities to contribute to the team's overall success.
Having entered the NFL at a young age, Njoku has established himself as a key player for the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating the potential that earned him a first-round draft pick. With a foundation built during his college years at Miami, Njoku continues to evolve as a tight end in the NFL, bringing his skills to the forefront and contributing to the Browns' competitive edge in the league.
Name
David Njoku
Position
Tight End
Team
Cleveland Browns
Jersey No.
85
Born
July 10, 1996
Born Place
Cedar Grove, New Jersey, U.S.
Age
27
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
246 lb (112 kg)
High School
Cedar Grove
College
Miami (FL) (2014–2016)
NFL Draft
2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29
Get ahead with Fresherslive as your trustworthy resource for the latest news and trends, all delivered in a language that's straightforward and easy to grasp. Your quest for reliable information ends here.
David Njoku NFL Career
David Njoku's journey in the NFL began with high expectations as he received an invitation to the NFL Combine, where he impressed scouts by completing all the combine and positional drills. Various experts and analysts projected him as a first-round pick, ranking him among the top tight ends available in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns selected Njoku as the 29th overall pick, making him the third tight end chosen in the draft.
In his rookie season in 2017, Njoku showcased his potential with 32 catches for 386 yards and four touchdowns. The following year, in 2018, he solidified his role as the Browns' starting tight end, recording 56 catches for 639 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games with 14 starts. The 2019 season presented challenges, including a concussion and a broken wrist, leading to a stint on injured reserve. However, Njoku returned later in the season, appearing in four games.
The 2020 season saw Njoku exercising his fifth-year option, but he faced a knee injury that placed him on injured reserve in September. He returned to action in October, contributing to the team's offensive efforts with 19 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns. In the 2021 season, Njoku had a standout performance against the Los Angeles Chargers with seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. He finished the season with 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns.
Moving into the 2022 season, the Browns secured Njoku with the franchise tag, followed by a lucrative four-year, $56.75 million contract extension in May. Despite facing challenges like a high-ankle sprain, Njoku demonstrated resilience, recording 58 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.
The 2023 season brought a unique setback as Njoku was listed as questionable due to burns on his face and arms from a "freak accident" at home. Nevertheless, he rebounded with a stellar performance in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring two receiving touchdowns in a 31-27 victory. Njoku's career reflects his perseverance, versatility, and continuous contributions to the Cleveland Browns' offense.
David Njoku Early Career
In the early stages of his football career, David Njoku emerged as a promising talent, excelling both on the gridiron and in other athletic pursuits. Despite being a 3-star tight end recruit, Njoku showcased his potential by committing to the University of Miami (FL) over offers from notable programs such as Boston College, Ohio State, and Temple. Beyond football, Njoku displayed versatility by competing in the high jump during high school, achieving significant success with a national championship win at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 2014.
Njoku's collegiate journey began with a redshirt year in 2014, providing him with an opportunity to acclimate to the collegiate football environment. In 2015, he made a notable impact, playing in all 13 games with four starts and accumulating 21 receptions for 362 yards and one touchdown. His performance reached new heights in the following year, 2016, as Njoku recorded 43 receptions for an impressive 698 yards and eight touchdowns. This standout season contributed to his decision to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2017 NFL Draft, marking the transition of his burgeoning talent from the collegiate to the professional football stage.
David Njoku Family Background
David Njoku, born on July 10, 1996, into the Nigerian family of Innocent and Stella Njoku, has a rich family background marked by migration and diverse accomplishments. The Njoku family relocated to the United States, where David attended Cedar Grove High School in New Jersey. Among his siblings, David is one of nine children, with four brothers (including the oldest, Innocent, who is a neurosurgeon, and Evidence, a former receiver for the Hurricanes) and five sisters. Three of his brothers, including Charles, share his passion for football.
In addition to his athletic siblings, the Njoku family boasts accomplished daughters. Chelsea is a nurse in New Jersey, while Faith is pursuing a medical education, as reported by zgr.net. Other daughters, Glady (specializing in mechanical engineering) and Happiness, maintain a private profile, away from the public eye. The family's diversity and varied achievements reflect a commitment to both academic and professional pursuits.
The roots of the Njoku family's success extend to their parents' endeavors. David's father was the owner of Trans Atlantic Airlines in Nigeria before the family's move to the United States. Meanwhile, his mother owned a clothing store, later choosing to accompany her husband on his extensive travels. This background showcases a blend of entrepreneurship and academic excellence within the Njoku family.
Amidst these diverse pursuits, David Njoku emerged as a standout athlete. After receiving numerous college offers, he ultimately chose to play college football at the University of Miami. This decision proved pivotal, leading to his selection as the 29th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Njoku family's story reflects a tapestry of achievements, spanning sports, medicine, engineering, and business, contributing to a well-rounded legacy in both Nigeria and the United States.
David Njoku Relationship Status
As of now, David Njoku is not married, and there is no public disclosure regarding his current relationship status. The private nature of his personal life extends to his romantic affairs, as he has not publicly confirmed whether he is in a relationship. Njoku's decision to keep his relationship status undisclosed reflects a desire for privacy in matters beyond his professional career.
While many public figures, including athletes, often share aspects of their personal lives, Njoku has chosen to maintain a level of discretion regarding his romantic relationships. This decision aligns with his preference to keep certain aspects of his life out of the public eye, allowing him to focus on his career and maintain a sense of privacy away from the scrutiny of the media and the public.
David Njoku Net Worth
David Njoku Net Worth is around $5 million. His primary source of income is derived from his professional football career in the National Football League (NFL). As an NFL player, he earns a salary as part of his contractual agreement with the Cleveland Browns. The terms of his contract, including base salary, bonuses, and potential incentives, contribute to his overall earnings as an athlete.
Additionally, Njoku may benefit from endorsement deals and sponsorships with various brands, which are common avenues for professional athletes to supplement their income. These endorsements can encompass partnerships with sportswear brands, equipment manufacturers, or other companies looking to leverage the athlete's popularity and image.
Furthermore, as a seasoned NFL player, Njoku may have invested in business ventures or engaged in financial planning to diversify his income streams. Athletes often explore opportunities such as entrepreneurial ventures, real estate investments, or involvement in other business endeavors to secure their financial future beyond their playing careers.
What Happened to David Njoku?
David Njoku faced uncertainty earlier in the week as he was initially considered a non-participant in practice on Monday due to a knee issue. However, there was a positive development on Tuesday as he was listed as limited in practice, indicating progress. Despite the knee concern, Njoku's additional listing as "resting" suggests an optimistic outlook, raising the likelihood of his participation in the upcoming game against the Jets on Thursday night. The limited status implies a cautious approach to manage his injury. Njoku's potential return is crucial for the Browns, providing a boost to their offensive capabilities.
Will David Njoku Play in Week 17?
David Njoku's status for Week 17 appears promising despite initially being a non-participant in Monday's practice due to a knee issue. The positive development came on Tuesday when he was listed as limited, indicating progress and a potential return. The additional designation of "resting" suggests a favorable outlook, increasing the likelihood of Njoku playing against the Jets on Thursday night. His transition to limited practice aligns with the team's strategy to manage injuries cautiously. If he continues to progress, Njoku could contribute to the Browns in Week 17.
David Njoku Injury Update - FAQs
As of the latest reports, David Njoku has been dealing with a knee issue, and he was initially a non-participant in practice on Monday. However, there has been a positive development, with Njoku being listed as limited in practice on Tuesday.
The specific cause of David Njoku's knee issue has not been disclosed. Injuries in football can result from various factors such as tackles, strains, or overexertion during gameplay.
While it's not definitive, there is optimism surrounding David Njoku's availability for Week 17. Despite the knee issue, his limited practice and additional designation as "resting" suggest a good chance of him playing against the Jets.
The Browns have several players dealing with injuries, including notable names like Kareem Hunt, Corey Bojorquez, and Amari Cooper. The team is actively managing the status of these players as they prepare for upcoming games.
David Njoku have encountered various injuries throughout his career. It's common for players to face a range of injuries and work through recovery to return to the field.