He played college football for the Troy Trojans and was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft.

Umenyiora was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and holds the Giants franchise record for most sacks in one game.

He is one of five British-born players to have won a Super Bowl, joining Marvin Allen, Scott McCready, former Troy and Giants teammate Lawrence Tynes,[1] and Jay Ajayi.

[2] He is of Igbo descent, a native of Ogbunike town in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state in Nigeria.

[2] The Giants had a surprise victory in Super Bowl XLII over the New England Patriots, in part because of their strong pass rush performance.

[2] During a preseason game against the New York Jets, Umenyiora suffered cartilage damage in his left knee and was required to undergo season-ending surgery.

[18] In week 1 of the 2009 season against the Washington Redskins, Umenyiora recorded his second and final career touchdown, also on a sack, forced fumble, and recovery.

On November 5, 2010, Umenyiora was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after recording 18 tackles (10 solo), 7.0 sacks, and six forced fumbles in the Giants' four October wins.

Umenyiora has claimed that general manager Jerry Reese promised to renegotiate his contract after the 2010 season, but failed to do so.

[22] In June 2012 Umenyiora agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants, after terminating his working relationship with agent Tony Agnone.

He has worked alongside Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman, Jason Bell, Nat Coombs, Mike Carlson and Dan Walker and their coverage has gained rave reviews from NFL fans in the UK.