Obinna "Obi" Pius Jr. Ezeh

Obinna “Obi” Pius Jr. Ezeh, 36, of Grand Rapids, MI, gained his wings on Friday, May 3, 2024, after passing away unexpectedly in his sleep. While he is widely known as an accomplished football player, his family and friends best knew him as a man of faith and family with a kind and compassionate heart – a gentle giant. He was a remarkable and resilient individual whose impact extended far beyond his reach. Obi was born on February 2,1988 in Grand Rapids, MI to Pius and Nkechy Ezeh. Rooted in Catholic faith, he was baptized at the Cathedral of St. Andrew and attended parochial schools throughout his elementary and high school years: St. Andrew’s Catholic School, St. Stephen’s Catholic School, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. A decorated and respected student-athlete, Obi played multiple sports including football, basketball, track & field, and rugby. His hard work, talent, and determination led him to first gain recognition in high school as a member of the Catholic Central High School varsity football team where he was a three-year, two-way starter, playing multiple positions, including running back and linebacker from 2003-2005. He set the school’s rushing record of 3,189 yards and helped lead the 2005 team to the MHSAA Division 4 State Championship game. He was also a member of the school’s three-time state champion high school rugby team from 2003-2006. In 2021, he was inducted into the Catholic Central Athletic Hall-of-Fame. A proud Michigan man, Obi matriculated to the University of Michigan on a full-ride, athletic scholarship. From 2006-2010, he played 50 games with 293 career tackles. In 2007, he was a freshman All-American, with College Football News - First Team and Sporting News - Second Team honors. As a red-shirt sophomore, he received the Roger Zatkoff Award which is given to the University of Michigan’s top linebacker. Additionally, he was Big Ten Honorable Mention and a collegiate semi-finalist for the national Dick Butkus Award for Outstanding Linebacker. In his final season, he served as one of the team’s captains. Obi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Following graduation, he was briefly signed as a free agent to the Washington Redskins (Commanders). In a search to establish and align himself beyond football, Obi explored various careers in business, especially non-profit research and fund development for organizations that were helping marginalized populations. This work, along with a curiosity to further explore his culture, drew him back to his ancestral home in Nigeria where he joined a service corps, tapping into his passion for youth development. For the next several years, he began to lay the foundation for developing holistic and comprehensive community spaces centered on youth empowerment, integrating his passion for sports, chess, and leadership development. He emphasized the importance of building internal and external strengths at a young age. He wanted to use the game of chess to teach youth critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He co-developed local flag football leagues, working towards his goal of bringing American football to Nigeria. Additionally, he advocated to, and partnered with, the Nigerian Ministry of Youth and Sports for governmental funding for youth programming. To drive a larger impact on a global scale, he had recently returned to Michigan with plans to pursue a graduate degree in international affairs and business. Obi was dedicated to empowering others to be their best self. He was happiest when he on the sidelines, supporting, uplifting, and celebrating others. He was a man of few words, but his love was so loud. With an inquisitive mind and an ever-present thirst for knowledge, he was always thinking, questioning, and challenging the status quo. He had a love for culture, history, music, film, nature, and cuisine. Though his time on Earth has come to an end, his legacy will forever live on. He is survived by his parents, Pius and Nkechy Ezeh; his sisters, Onyinyé Kelley (Gemyhl) and his nephew, Kasan, Kay Ezeh, Nnenna Ezeh-Williams (Gya’), and Nicole Ezeh; his godson, Nnadozie Ekere; his love, Christie Ochu, and a host of extended American and Nigerian family and friends. Today and every day, may we continue to celebrate his life. Rest easy, Obi. We love you, always. Forever 45. _____ A celebration of Obi’s life will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Memorial Mass: Held privately with family. Public Memorial Service: 4:00PM - 5:30PM Reception (Repast): Immediately following service in the parish hall Obi will be laid to rest privately in Nigeria. In lieu of flowers, please send donations (designated in loving memory of Obinna Ezeh) to the Seidman Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth - where Obi was first introduced to football and a community space for youth.

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Obinna "Obi" Pius Jr. Ezeh

February 2, 1988 - May 3, 2024