Despite leading the NFL in tackles, Jacksonville’s defensive anchor remains ignored by Pro Bowl voters. Discover how this relentless linebacker transforms a lack of recognition into elite production.
Jacksonville Jaguars' linebacker Foye Oluokun thrives on being overlooked.
Even though Oluokun has been one of the Jaguars' most consistent and reliable defenders since he was signed by Jacksonville in 2022, his reputation around the league has not equalled his elite production.
In his four seasons with the Jaguars, Oluokun, who will turn 31 in August, has recorded 608 total tackles, most in the NFL over that time. Despite consistently ranking near the top of the leagues in tackles (including leading the NFL in 2021 and 2022), Oluokun has never been selected to a Pro Bowl or named to an All-Pro team in his career.
Despite not getting the attention a player of his stature deserves, Jacksonville's coaches know how important he is to the team and feel fortunate to have him. Linebackers coach Tem Lukabu spoke about Oluokun after an earlier OTA practice.
"He's one of the most consistent people, consistent players, most intentional people that you'll ever see. I hope and pray that I have another five of them in my career. Some guys don't have a guy that's this consistent, and it's just a reminder to me, a lesson to me, like 'hey, you got one of those now, let's make sure we're making it count while we have him,'" Lukabu said.
Oluokun Thrives Off Being Overlooked
While Jacksonville's coaches are miffed over why he doesn't get more recognition across the league, Oluokun doesn't mind one bit.
In fact, he thrives off being overlooked.
"I actually kind of like when I don't get {accolades} because, because that makes me press harder to just keep grinding. When I look back, I get records and this and that and it's really because I just keep pushing each and every year. Keep pushing. Keep pushing. That mentality never leaves me," he noted.
Helps Set The Culture
Another reason the Jaguars' coaches love Oluokun so much is that he helps set the culture in the locker room. He always shows up to voluntary activities, and his commitment to the team has rubbed off on younger players. When they see a team leader like Oluokun putting in the work, and being in the building when he doesn't have to be, they follow suit.
Jacksonville always has almost 100% participation for voluntary workouts and practices, and Oluokun is a catalyst for that attendance. Speaking to The Florida Times-Union, he reflected on why he always shows up.
"I love it...And then, at the end of the day, to keep it a buck, keep it simple, you get paid to come in here and lift and run around, so why not do it?"
Final Thoughts
Oluokun is one of Jacksonville's most pivotal players. Now without fellow linebacker Devin Lloyd, Oluokun, entering his ninth NFL season, will be relied on even more as a defensive leader.
Drafted in the sixth round in 2018 by the Atlanta Falcons, the former Yale Bulldog has been an underdog his entire career. He has gone on quite a journey from being the 200th overall pick to one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL.
Even if he isn't showered with attention like some other players, Oluokun doesn't mind. He will continue to make plays and be the leader the Jaguars need.
Oluokun figures to have another terrific season in 2026. Hopefully, this will be the year he gets a much-deserved Pro-Bowl or All-Pro nod.
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