Robert Nkemdiche is an American football defensive lineman currently a free agent. He gained national attention after being selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Robert Chukwudumebi Nkemdiche was born on September 19, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Nigerian parents. His father, Sunday Nkemdiche, is a cardiologist, and his mother, Beverly Nkemdiche, has been active in Nigerian politics, having previously served in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Nkemdiche grew up with two older brothers, Denzel and Bryan. Denzel Nkemdiche played college football as a linebacker for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 2011 to 2015, though he did not play in the NFL. Bryan Chukwuma Nkemdiche pursued a career in music.
Robert Nkemdiche attended Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. In track, he was notably the runner-up in the shot put and discus at the 2011 Gwinnett County Track & Field Championship during his junior year.
On the football field, Nkemdiche contributed significantly to the success of the Grayson Rams. Playing both defensive end and running back, he recorded 59 tackles and 18 sacks on defense, alongside 528 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns on offense during his junior season. His performance helped the team to an undefeated 15–0 season and a GHSA 6A state championship, earning him first-team All-American honors.
Regarded as a top prospect, Robert Nkemdiche was selected 29th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite his potential, his professional career was marked by inconsistency and injuries. In his three seasons with the Cardinals, Nkemdiche struggled to establish himself as a reliable contributor on the defensive line.
Concerns about his work ethic surfaced early, with then-head coach Bruce Arians publicly questioning his commitment during his rookie season. After a brief period of improved play in 2018, his progress was halted by a knee injury. Nkemdiche was released by the Cardinals in July 2019 following an underwhelming tenure. He had brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks but has remained a free agent in recent years.
Nkemdiche’s challenges highlight the high expectations that often accompany first-round picks and the difficulties some athletes face in transitioning to the professional level. As of now, only three of general manager Steve Keim’s seven first-round selections remain with the Cardinals, including quarterback Kyler Murray, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, and former linebacker Haason Reddick.
Robert Nkemdiche has kept his personal life largely private. He has been occasionally linked to Candace Taylor and Kay Hodges, though he has not publicly confirmed any formal relationships. Currently focused on reviving his football career, Nkemdiche remains dedicated to returning to an NFL roster.
| Birth Date: | 19 Sep, 1994 |
| Age: | 26 yrs |
| Occupations: | American football player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Atlanta |
| Education: | Grayson High School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American football defensive lineman |
| Net Worth 2021: | 7 million |
