Nnamdi Asomugha

The Oakland Raiders’ Nnamdi Asomugha, an American born Nigerian, plays the game of football with an undeniable passion and dedication. This four time All Pro selection has emerged as the league’s best defensive back, earning him a starting position in the 2008 2009, and 2010 Pro Bowl. A testament to the silver and black, his hard work and determination on the field is preceded by his undeniable commitment to education and community off the gridiron.

With a naturally generous disposition, Asomugha gives most of the success he’s accomplished to those in need. He serves as chairman of the Asomugha Foundation, where he works closely with his family to enhance the two key programs of the Foundation: Orphans and Widows In Need (OWIN) and Asomugha College Tour for Scholars (ACTS). OWIN supports women and children in Nigeria and provides food, shelter, medicine, vocational training, literacy efforts and scholarships. OWIN is currently working to expand the existing two centers in Nigeria to other countries throughout Africa.

In 2007, Asomugha founded ACTS an annual college tour and mentoring program that provides high-achieving high-school students of color the opportunity to visit college campuses across the country. Past tours have included trips to Atlanta, Boston, New York and Washington, DC and have been featured on CNN and NFL Network.

Asomugha has been invited by former President Bill Clinton to speak annually at his youth engagement program, Clinton Global Initiative University, about his commitment to education. Asomguha was also voted one of 16 players for the Home Depot Neighborhood MVP for his commitment to community service in 2007 and in 2008 was recognized by Essence Magazine for his philanthropic work. As a result of his hard work in his community he has been nominated for the Nation Football League Players Association Byron Whizzer Award every year since 2005 and he won the 2010 award. In June 2010, Asomugha was the first athlete presented with Jefferson Award for Public Service, which honors volunteerism in America and is considered the Nobel Prize for community service.

He currently serves as the national ambassador for the NFL and United Way partnership and national spokesperson for NFL Network’s “Keep Gym in School” initiative. Asomugha earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Finance at the University of California, Berkeley.