From Agbogugu, Nigeria, he joined the Chargers through the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in 2023.
[1] He grew up playing basketball, and played in a high-level league before being noticed by Ejike Ugboaja, who suggested he enter the UpRise American football camp, hosted by Osi Umenyiora to identify talent from African countries.
[2][4] He made the final cut and was chosen as one of eight players to be allocated to NFL teams.
[2][5] Okoye was allocated to the Los Angeles Chargers as a defensive lineman in May 2023.
[5][7][8] He was awarded the game ball afterwards, and was invited to speak on The Rich Eisen Show, where he said that he did not even know what he did was a sack.