Eric O. Ogbogu (born July 18, 1975) is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and Dallas Cowboys. He previously played college football at the University of Maryland. Early years Ogbogu attended Archbishop Stepinac High School. He didn't start practicing football until his freshman year in high school, because he suffered from Blount's disease as a child. He played fullback, linebacker and sometimes tight end. As a senior, he rushed for 1,803 yards and was one of the top ranked running backs in the state, while averaging 8 tackles per game as a linebacker. He also lettered in basketball. College career Ogbogu accepted a football a scholarship from the University of Maryland. He played 5 games at tight end as a freshman. As a sophomore, he almost quit school after his father was killed in a carjacking in his native Nigeria. He was moved to defensive end that season, recording 45 tackles (12 for losses) and led the team with 6 sacks. As a junior, he posted 64 tackles and led the team with 7 sacks. As a senior, he was limited with a sprained ankle and had 43 tackles (eighth on the team), 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. He finished ranked fifth in school history in career sacks (18½). He was named the MVP for the winning South team in the 1998 Hula Bowl after registering 4 sacks. Professional career New York Jets Ogbogu was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round (163rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he had 8 tackles in 12 games. In 1999, he made 12 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed and 2 fumble recoveries in 14 games (2 inactive). In 2000, he entered training camp as the starter at right defensive end, but suffered a shoulder injury before the first preseason game. He was waived/injured on August 5 and was placed on the injured reserve list on August 7. In 2001, he had 24 tackles and one fumble recovery. Cincinnati Bengals On April 29, 2002, he was signed as a free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals. He registered 4 tackles in 12 games (4 inactive). He wasn't re-signed after the season. Dallas Cowboys On August 11, 2003, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, reuniting with Bill