Lawrence Okoye, discus record-holder, joins Jets' practice squad
Then-San Francisco 49ers player Lawrence Okoye looks up during the warm-up at Wembley Stadium in London ahead of the NFL football game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. Credit: AP Photo Matt Dunham
The Jets on Friday signed former British discus throwing record-holder Lawrence Okoye to their practice squad as an offensive lineman.
Okoye, who finished 12th in the discus at the 2012 London Olympic Games, set his sights on making it in the NFL in 2013, despite having never played American football. Okoye's physical attributes and raw ability make him an intriguing prospect. But he's also a project.
Despite three separate stints with the 49ers and a brief stay with the Arizona Cardinals - all at defensive lineman - he has yet to make a 53-man roster.
The 6-6, 304-pound Okoye was signed by San Francisco in May 2013. But after suffering a preseason knee injury three months later, he was cut. The 49ers brought him back the following year and signed him to the practice squad, where he stayed all season. On Jan. 1, 2015, San Francisco signed him to a reserve/future contract, but the team released him the end of training camp.
The Cardinals then signed him to their practice squad on Sept. 7, but released him on Oct. 21.
Defensive tackle T.J. Barnes also re-signed to the Jets' practices squad and cornerback Jeremy Harris was released.
