Oshiomogho Atogwe is involved in an impressive variety of community service activities in the St. Louis area, including outreach visits to St. Louis Public Schools and free community football clinics. In 2008, Atogwe worked to bring the NFL Player Matching High School/Youth Football Grant project to fifteen underserved local high schools. Visiting participating programs throughout the football season, Atogwe awards $5,000 to the program whose student-athletes achieve the highest GPAs, which is matched by the NFL for a total grant of $10,000. Atogwe further encourages athletes in their academic endeavors by supporting each of the programs in choosing three exceptional students to attend a Rams home game.

Atogwe has also gotten involved in his community through contributions to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, a homeless shelter, and visits to St. Louis Hospitals.

Atogwe says he is inspired to be “service-oriented” by his faith and family. He is working to “establish the type of community where people are seeking opportunities to help others.” He believes that as an athlete he has been fortunate and it is important to help those who are in need.

About OJ Atogwe

Oshiomogho Atogwe is a free safety for the St. Louis Rams. A team leader with the Rams, in 2007 he won the Rams Defensive Player of the Game against the Buccaneers. The same year, he received USA Today’s annual All-Joe Team award, given to “players who do whatever necessary to help their team.” In 2008, in addition to being named an NFC Defensive Player of the Week, he won the Daniel F. Reeves Award, given by the Rams coaches and players to the team’s MVP.