From playing Call of Duty and Gears of War to sacking the quarterbacks on the field, Larry Ogunjobi has come a long way. When you look at the Steelers‘ defensive tackle, what’s really standing out? Well, standing at 6’3” and weighing over 250 pounds, shedding blockers with ease and sacking the quarterback before he could even set his feet to throw, right? But, that’s not how the story goes, besides, who even likes a plain, boring tale like that anyway?

After stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, Ogunjobi quickly made himself a key player on the Steelers’ defense after joining them in 2022. But truth be told, if it wasn’t for his parents, the 30-year-old might still be in a closed room, playing on his Xbox.

Who are Larry Ogunjobi and Mercy Ogunjobi?

Well, there isn’t much information available on his father, Larry Ogunjobi Sr. However, if you want to get an insight into how Ogunjobi’s journey transitioned from an unhealthy gamer to a beast on the gridiron. You can thank one person and it’s none other than his mom, Mercy Ogunjobi.

Before picking up the football, young Ogunjobi was into video games and weighed over 350 pounds. That noted, both Mom and Dad took things into their own hands and went on a quest to shape their son’s life. Just like every typical parent. Well, Larry wouldn’t have dreamt of it, but it was his mom who took major steps when it came to his gaming.

“I was just gaining a lot of weight,” Ogunjobi said. “My mom and my dad came to me one day and were like, ‘You know, you’re killing yourself’ and they took away my Xbox.” Sounds a bit extreme, right? Well, who cares if all these tough calls worked out in your favor, right? As for Ogunjobi, it’s nothing short of a turning point and guess where that led him? To the NFL.

“The only reason I started playing football is because my mom took away my Xbox,” he said on the podcast with his teammate, Cam Heyward. “That is the only reason I got into football. I was about 350 pounds, obese. I was playing Call of Duty, Gears of War, Madden…” 

Like every child who loves to play games, Ogunjobi later admitted that he was mad at his parents and believed that they hated him. However, if he ever looks back now, all he can be is thankful to his parents.

Steelers’ DT makes his parents proud as he fulfills their dreams

Fast forward to 2024, the Steelers’ DT is doing what he is expected to and already recorded his first sack of the season in a winning game against the New York Jets. With that, the 30-year-old ensures that he makes his parents proud at every step of his life. And to thank them for their ultimate support, Larry bought them their dream house.

Taking to his official Instagram handle, he shared a beautiful post with his family in front of their new house. “To the man and woman, that gave me and my sister the world; and asked for nothing in return,” he captioned. “Here’s a token of my appreciation! You two are more than deserving. Love you with everything I got. Congratulations, this is for you!

Larry Ogunjobi, who signed with the Steelers in 2023 with a three-year contract, shares his success was built on the guidance and love of his incredible parents. That said, the Steelers tweeted a picture of the Ogunjobis as they’re cheering in front of their house, opening a champagne and holding a sign that read, “We found our dream home” and “We said yes to the address.” And thanks to his hard work and determination, Larry’s been able to give them the life they truly deserve.