Henry William Obiajulu Melifonwu was born in London on April 5, 1994.

Melifonwu committed to the University of Connecticut to play college football.

[5][6] Melifonwu received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and made three combined tackles as a part of the North who lost 16–15 to the South.

His numbers in the short shuttle and three-cone drill would've ranked second among all positions if he would've posted those times at the NFL Combine.

[9] He had private workouts and visits with 11 NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

On November 5, 2018, Melifonwu signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots.

[26] Melifonwu and the Patriots eventually reached Super Bowl LIII where they beat the Los Angeles Rams 13–3.

[27] On September 9, 2019, Melifonwu was waived by the Patriots and re-signed to the practice squad.

[42] On January 30, 2025, Melifonwu signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL).

[43] His younger brother, Ifeatu Melifonwu, played college football at Syracuse and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL draft.