David Ojabo’s path to the NFL is like a fairytale. In the biggest game of his young career, the Ravens star is nevertheless condemned to watch. But the Scotsman won’t let that get him down.

No matter which NFL player you ask about the London Games, the answers are mostly the same. “London is a beautiful place, the atmosphere is unique,” admits star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for example, “but it’s always difficult to adjust, to cope with the time change, just to find your usual rhythm.”

Still, when the NFL announced the three pairings in the British metropolis this spring, one OBJ teammate’s eyes may have lit up in particular: Outside linebacker David Ojabo spent much of his childhood in Scotland and longed for Oct. 15 like few other Baltimore Ravens players.

A once-in-a-lifetime game in front of friends and family – what could be better?

But unfortunately, he will not be able to enjoy it. A serious injury is slowing the 23-year-old down before the first major highlight of his still young career.

However, giving up is out of the question for him – just one look at his rocky road to the NFL is enough to prove that.

“It’s all in God’s hands at the end of the day. You control what you can control. I’m trying to stay positive,” Ojabo said thoughtfully, describing his thoughts before Sunday’s game.

The linebacker has been on the Injured Reserve List for almost two weeks: During the 19:22 overtime loss against the Indianapolis Colts, he suffered knee and ankle injuries. Nevertheless, the press room at Tottenham Hotspur’s north London training ground is packed, with the former second-round pick a sought-after talking point.

David Ojabo: An NFL star from Europe

The NFL itself has made sure of that, in the media schedule Ojabo is advertised as “UK-born”, a homegrown from Great Britain, so to speak. The pass rusher was born in Nigeria, but his family moved to Aberdeen, Scotland, when he was seven.

Even the Ravens’ official roster does not list his birthplace in Africa, but rather the Scottish city as a matter of course.

The youngster is thus a welcome example by the league of the success of the International Series, which once took its modern form in London. “I’ve watched a few highlights of the International Games before “

David Ojabo: Baltimore Ravens in London – “you only get to experience this once!”

Although he exudes optimism, you can clearly see the youngster’s disappointment at the start of the presser: “It’s an incredible blessing for me to be back home – at the same time it’s tragic that I can’t be on the field with my brothers on Sunday.” For a brief moment, Ojabo wipes his eyes, trying not to let his frustration erupt.

Then, a few moments later, a broad grin graces his face again. “I finally got to see my family again. I saw them all again for the first time this year, otherwise I only come home once a year,” he laughs happily to the crowd: “To share this experience with my team, my boys, too – you only experience that once in a lifetime.”

That he would one day end up in American football was not necessarily preordained for the 23-year-old. “I used to play football. Manchester United was my team,” the pass rusher confesses, causing laughter in the press room.

He continues, “My dad took me to some games as well. I will never forget that.” His talent in basketball led him to recommend himself for high school – and at 17 he ventured to the USA.

David Ojabo: A Scot through and through

In addition to the basketball court, the burly athlete also impresses with his speed in track and field, so much so that he switches to football in his final year of high school. According to the BBC, Ojabo was subsequently overwhelmed by university offers, with more than 30 universities vying for his favour.

In the end, Jim Harbaugh – brother of his current NFL head coach John Harbaugh – and the University of Michigan get the nod.

Decisive for the choice: A very special memory of his home country – “For me it felt like a little piece of Scotland, especially because of the weather. It’s just where I felt most comfortable,” Ojabo underlined in a “BBC” interview in January 2022.

Even then, he saw himself more as a Scot than a Nigerian: “I just love it, man. Scotland is my home. “

David Ojabo: Injury at the worst possible time

At the time of the interview, the pass rusher is even considered a potential top-10 pick in the draft before the biggest possible disaster strikes: at his pro day, Ojabo tears his Achilles tendon. Still, the Ravens strike six weeks later – and select him in the second round. “It’s just a little bump in the road. Just another obstacle I’m going to overcome,” he confidently promised “ESPN” at the time.

In the end, he completes two games in his rookie season and only 21 total snaps on defense. 2023, on the other hand, starts promisingly, already in the first game against Houston Ojabo caused cheers on the Ravens’ side with a strip sack. It seemed like it was going to be a good year, with the London Game as the ultimate highlight – until the second serious injury.

Baltimore Ravens in London: No ordinary game

Even though he won’t be actively on the field on Sunday, the British homegrown is eagerly anticipating the game against the Tennessee Titans. “Loads of people wanted tickets, but don’t ask me the exact number,” Ojabo replies with a laugh at the end of the presser: “I’m so close to home, I’m just happy so many of my people can be there.”

“Normal” tickets are not to be available for the large group, though, the pass rusher has promised on high. “They will have appropriate seats,” he reveals with a twinkle in his eye, referring to the numerous boxes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ojabo also says that his role as a role model should not be forgotten on Sunday. “Kids like me just need a chance to show our God-given talent,” he underlines, “Growing up in a foreign environment can definitely be a disadvantage in a sport. But sometimes athleticism and will prevail. “