Osa Odighizuwa: “I Love Being a Cowboy” – Defensive Tackle Signs Four-Year Extension to Stay in Dallas
In a move that solidifies the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense for years to come, Osa Odighizuwa has signed a four-year contract extension that will keep him in a Cowboys uniform for the foreseeable future. The defensive tackle, who has quickly become one of the most disruptive players on the defensive line, expressed his excitement and gratitude in a sit-down interview with DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer Patrik Walker and Team Reporter Nicole Hutchison following the signing.
A Cowboy for the Long Haul
Odighizuwa, who was originally drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown consistent growth since entering the league. With his combination of size, strength, and quickness, Odighizuwa has developed into a key player on the Cowboys’ defensive front, and the extension cements his place as a long-term contributor to the team’s championship aspirations.
“I love being a Cowboy,” Odighizuwa said with a smile during the interview. “This is the organization that took a chance on me, and I’m extremely grateful for that. To know that they believe in me and want me to be here for the next several years is just a blessing. I’m excited for what we’re building, and I’m ready to continue contributing to this defense.”
Odighizuwa’s enthusiasm about remaining in Dallas is clear, and his commitment to the team is evident as he looks to further develop alongside a talented group of defensive playmakers. His physicality and ability to disrupt the backfield make him an essential part of the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and his leadership will continue to grow as he matures into a key figure on the team.
The Journey to a New Deal
When asked about the journey to securing his new deal, Odighizuwa spoke about the dedication and hard work that went into getting to this point. While he acknowledges that the business side of the NFL can be unpredictable, his focus has always been on improving his game and helping the team win.
“It’s been a journey for sure. From the moment I got here, I’ve tried to improve every day, whether that’s learning from my teammates, coaches, or just putting in the work on my own,” he said. “When you’re playing for a team like the Cowboys, you know you have to bring it every day. I’ve always had my eyes on becoming a leader on this defense and helping the team be the best it can be.”
His work ethic and commitment have clearly paid off. In his first few seasons, Odighizuwa has shown steady improvement, adding more sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures each year. He’s become a reliable player who consistently takes on double-teams and provides much-needed pressure from the interior of the defensive line.
A Critical Piece of the Defense
Odighizuwa’s extension is a significant move for the Cowboys, who have been focused on bolstering their defense as they seek a return to the Super Bowl. The defensive line, led by Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and now Odighizuwa, forms a formidable unit capable of wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
“It’s always been about playing as a unit,” Odighizuwa explained. “We’ve got a great group on this defense, and we all feed off each other. Micah brings energy, DeMarcus brings leadership, and I just want to bring my part and keep getting better every day. We’ve got a lot of talent here, and we’re all working toward the same goal.”
The defensive front has been a standout for the Cowboys in recent years, and Odighizuwa’s ability to disrupt plays on the interior complements the outside pressure from the likes of Parsons and Lawrence. Together, this group is capable of putting constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and shutting down the run game.
Looking Ahead to the Future
With his new contract in hand, Odighizuwa is eager to continue building on his success in Dallas. He spoke about his ambitions to keep improving his skills and make an even bigger impact on the team’s defense as the Cowboys chase a championship.
“Every year, I try to take my game to the next level. Whether it’s my technique, my strength, or just my overall awareness, I’m always striving to improve,” he said. “The ultimate goal for me is to help this team win a Super Bowl. I’ve seen how close we’ve gotten, and I know we have the pieces to do it. Now it’s about continuing to put in the work and staying hungry.”
Odighizuwa’s mindset reflects the Cowboys’ overall philosophy: a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the team continues to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster, Odighizuwa’s contributions will be crucial to their success. His presence on the defensive line will allow the team to execute their aggressive defensive schemes and maintain a high level of performance against some of the league’s best offenses.
A Cowboys Defense on the Rise
The Cowboys’ defense has been steadily improving, and with the addition of Odighizuwa’s extension, it’s clear that they are positioning themselves to be a top unit in the NFL for years to come. With an already strong foundation that includes Parsons, Lawrence, and others, Odighizuwa’s new contract ensures that the team can continue to rely on their defensive front to anchor their efforts toward a championship.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m going to be here for the long haul,” Odighizuwa said. “Dallas is home for me now. I’ve got the best fans, the best teammates, and the best coaches. I’m just excited to continue this journey with the Cowboys and see what we can achieve together.”