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Kenechi Udeze Is Back In The National Football League

In the first round of the 2004 National Football League Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected defensive end Kenechi Udeze out of the University of Southern California with the 20th overall selection. After four up-and-down seasons with the Vikings, Udeze was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2008. He went on injured reserve in July of 2008, missing the entire season.

He attempted to come back after his leukemia went into remission, but he never regained the physical strength that he had prior to chemotherapy. After giving it a go in the Vikings' 2009 training camp, he announced his retirement from football.

Udeze returned to Southern Cal in 2010 to finish his college degree, graduating with a degree in sociology. He then went on to work for Steve Sarkisian, a former USC assistant, at the University of Washington as a strength coach, as well as working with the defensive line. Today, however, after a three-year absence, Udeze is back in the National Football League.

Seattle Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll, who coached Udeze at USC in 2004, has brought Udeze aboard his staff as a coaching intern that will work with Seattle's defensive line.

Good to see you back in the National Football League, Coach Udeze. Here's to your continued success going forward.

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Welcome back Udeze

Glad you’re still staying string and fighting

Gentlemen! You can't fight in here, this is a war room!

by VikesFaninNM on Feb 15, 2012 11:38 AM CST reply actions  

What a champ

Can’t wish this guy enough luck in the world. He deserves it all(luck, that is)

White Horn Gold Pants

by DM_Purp on Feb 15, 2012 11:42 AM CST reply actions  

That's awesome!

Hope he has nothing but success and a long and healthy life.

"You're pissed because we went after a committed guy? Guess what, we got 9 guys who better go do it again. Do it a little harder next time." Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire

by Ted Glover on Feb 15, 2012 12:25 PM CST reply actions  

Yet another piece of Minnesota in Seattle..

Is it just me or is this getting creepy?

Oh and good luck to you man, congrats.

The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.

by Grime on Feb 15, 2012 4:27 PM CST reply actions  

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