tackles against South Florida. As a senior in 2006, Okoye finally started all 13 games. In those 13 games, he registered 55 tackles, eight sacks, and recovered three fumbles. Okoye garnered Associated Press Second-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big East honors. As the NCAA's youngest senior at 19 years old, Okoye garnered first-round draft status during the season. Okoye was invited to and performed in the Senior Bowl. Professional career Houston Texans Okoye was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is still the youngest player to ever be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft at only 19 years. Tremaine Edmunds became the second youngest at 19 years 11 months 26 days old, in 2018, making them the only two teenagers ever drafted in NFL history. He was the highest draft pick to come out of the University of Louisville since the AFL-NFL merger. Okoye signed a five-year deal with the Texans on July 26, which allowed him to begin training camp with his teammates the next day. With his first start, Okoye became the youngest player to appear in an NFL game since 1967. Okoye was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for September 2007 after leading the AFC with four sacks. He is the youngest player ever to receive the award. On July 30, 2011, after four seasons in Houston, he was released. Chicago Bears Okoye signed with the Chicago Bears on July 30, 2011. During the 2011 Chicago Bears season, Okoye played 16 games with one start, recording four sacks and 27 combined tackles. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Okoye signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 7, 2012. He was released by the team on August 31, before the start of the 2012 NFL season. Chicago Bears (second stint) Okoye returned to the Bears on August 31, 2012, and signed a one-year contract on September 3. He was waived on November 27, but was brought back on December 12. During the 2012 Chicago Bears season, Okoye played in nine games, recording one sack, one forced fumble, and 12 combined tackles. Dallas Cowboys After having missed the 2013 NFL season due to what was referred to at the time as an "undisclosed medical issue", Okoye signed with the Dallas Cowboys on May 16, 2014. On August 14, 2014, more details were revealed regarding his medical situation. Okoye