“Chidozie is the leader, everyone follows his footsteps. He’s strong as an ox.” These words from Coach Prime himself say a lot about Chidozie Nwankwo, a key defensive back for the Colorado Buffaloes. But what many don’t know is that Nwankwo is also a single father to a young daughter, a fact that might surprise some. For those who follow him closely, though, it’s no secret—his Instagram feed is full of photos of him and his little girl.

Leaving Houston and joining Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes meant that Nwankwo had to make a tough choice—being away from his daughter. On her birthday, he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, “Daddy loves and misses you so much” and “My big girl finna be 3.” He paired the message with Rod Wave’s song “To MY Grave” and a touching picture of them together. His daughter, no doubt, is proud of her “Buffs papa,” but the decision to leave her behind was difficult for him.

In a recent YouTube video posted by The Undisputed Buffs, a fan asked Nwankwo how hard it was to leave his daughter and focus on football. The 21-year-old defensive tackle admitted, “It was rough. I found the decision to be pretty difficult overall. I’m not old. I’m only twenty-one.” So why make such a sacrifice and continue to play football when it means being away from his daughter?

For Nwankwo, the choice is about securing a better future. As much as he loves his daughter, he knows football is a path that can provide long-term stability. “I’m making sure my life is secure at the end of the day, and my daughter’s life is secure for when she gets older,” he explained. As a parent, sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, and Nwankwo’s dedication to both football and fatherhood is clear.

Chidozie Nwankwo receives ‘Prime Time’ support

Coach Prime, has been incredibly supportive of Nwankwo and other young dads on the team. Known for his sharp football mind, Coach Prime also showed his heart off the field by guiding Nwankwo and helping him adjust to life as a single father. Nwankwo, who made an impact during his final season with Houston—recording 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a sack—was ranked as PFF’s 14th-best defensive end when he joined Colorado. But it’s not just about football for Coach Prime; he’s been a mentor to Nwankwo off the field too.

In a recent comment, Coach Prime said, “A child is not a mistake. A child is an opportunity to mature you, grow you, advance you, and give you skills.” This message wasn’t just for Nwankwo but also for five other young dads on the team. To further support these players, Coach Prime partnered with a local bank to help them start savings accounts for their children, each with a $2,121 deposit. Nwankwo was touched by the gesture, saying, “This is why I love my coach.”

Now, this young father is gearing up for his next challenge on the field, driven by his desire to succeed for both his daughter and his team. With Coach Prime by his side, he’s ready to keep giving his best for the Buffaloes and his little girl.