Ikem Ekwonu’s NFL success is not his victory alone. Nicknamed Icky, he is a standout offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, being selected sixth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. On the draft night, his parents shared his excitement, witnessing the culmination of efforts in a high-profile NFL selection. After all, they share a profound impact on Ikem’s journey.

Ikem’s parents, Tagbo and Amaka Ekwonu, originally hail from Nigeria. However, they had to migrate due to the unstable situation in the country. The couple met in England before they met in the US in the 1980s. Finally settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, they began to raise their family with four children. These include Ikem and his twin brother Osita, besides an elder brother and an elder sister.

Ikem shares his athletic aspirations with his father. Tagbo was a star basketball player out there. Being a family doctor, with a background in athletics, he incorporated similar values in his children.

Not just his father, Ikem’s mother, Amaka, was also an athlete in Nigeria being a former track and field athlete during high school. She particularly excelled in sprinting. These athletic aspirations reflect in Ikem and his siblings. After immigrating, Amara went on to pursue a degree in education, thus becoming a nurse to serve the Charlotte community.

Reflecting on his athletic lineage, Ikem remarked, “That’s always been the standard at my house. Whatever passion you wanted to pursue, you wanted to achieve it at the highest level.” When Ikem began to pick up various sports, his mother had certain fears. Out of the concern that he would get hurt, she forced him to do an additional year of flag football.

Talking about Ikem, she remarked, “Ikem is just the joy. He’s very boisterous, always has been from day one. Very loud, very happy, very joyful. Very kind. Just a sweet kid.” Seeing their son make it to the NFL, nothing else could’ve made them happier.

Ekwonu’s parents cherish his NFL selection

On the draft night, like countless others, Ikem’s parents thought that the Panthers were going to select a QB with the sixth pick. When Ikem’s name was announced, his parent’s happiness knew no bounds.

Tagbo remarked, “I wish I could put it into words.” He continued, “Everything, from shaking the commissioner’s hand, I didn’t see that. I was just so excited and we were cheering and hugging each other, looking at phone calls coming in and texts coming in and all that stuff.”

Despite the excitement, Ikem’s parents want him to always be mindful of his heritage. Amara remarked that the children share an immigrant mentality. She adds, “You have to work hard. There’s no way around it. I think that, ultimately, that’s why they’ve been able to achieve.” And, she wants him to continue upholding the similar strain of thought that connects him to his lineage. “I hope he [Ikem] knows that he comes from a line of people who are proud of where they come from and that he knows his story and the story of his ancestors,” she remarked.

Ikem’s parents also thanked the US, for being a haven of opportunities for their family.  “The U.S. has always been a beacon of light for people from different parts of the world… If you work hard, you get rewarded. I know that, I see that,” his father said. Seeing their son excel, Ikem’s family is witnessing their hard work and efforts come to fruition.