The NFL placed an indefinite suspension on Denver Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike on July 24, 2023, after he violated the league’s gambling policy.
After sitting out his entire second season in the NFL, Uwazurike had his suspension lifted on August 5, 2024. Despite being out of football for more than a year, Uwazurike was welcomed back by coach Sean Payton.
“‘Enyi’ has taken full responsibility for his actions,” Payton said last week. “I feel like he’s learned from it. He’s moved forward, he’s shown remorse and been accountable. Since he showed up here, he showed up in shape. He’s only been here for three weeks. He’s not quite there — he’s rusty, but he’s big, he’s athletic, he’s talented and he plays hard.
“We thought the talent was too much [to waive him]. We love the kid. [He’s] a really good kid who made a mistake. We weren’t able to see him for a year, so when he showed up and he looked like he did, we thought that was really positive that he had been keeping himself in shape. We’re glad he’s here. He’s going to help us.”
Uwazurike made the team’s 53-man roster and while it might take a few weeks to get his legs under him, he should be ready to contribute later this season. Uwazurike dressed for eight games as a rookie in 2022, totaling 17 tackles and two quarterback hits. He’ll look to build on those totals in 2024.
