Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu would have fulfilled a dream that several National Football League players cannot achieve: playing in a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the American Football Conference Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens.
As a result, he is deemed out of action for Super Bowl LVIII when his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, will compete for their third Super Bowl title in five seasons against the San Francisco 49ers. With the recovery period for ACL injuries typically lasting for up to 12 months, the two-week break before the big game isn’t enough.
Thank you all for the support. God makes no mistakes. We were all a witness to my adversity earlier this year, and I came back better than ever. I promise it will be no different this time. Football, 90 will see you again till then much love to everyone and God bless. pic.twitter.com/8CgU10Cf2c
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) January 30, 2024
However, it remains to be seen if Omenihu will join his squad in Las Vegas. Still, it’s been a fantastic year for the fifth-year veteran, who missed the first six regular-season games due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
He was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence in January of last year after he allegedly pushed her girlfriend to the ground during an argument. Omenihu was booked into the Santa Clara County jail and was released on a $10,000 bond.
In 11 games for the Chiefs, the former Texas Longhorn had a career-high seven sacks with 28 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. What’s impressive is that he started only one out of 11 games. He added a sack, a forced fumble, three tackles, and a quarterback hit during the playoffs.
The Chiefs signed Omenihu to a two-year contract during the 2023 offseason. He started his NFL career after the Houston Texans selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After two seasons and change, the Texans traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2023 sixth-round selection.
With Omenihu out of action, BJ Thompson and Jordan Smith will have increased roles as Mike Danna’s backups at right defensive end.
-Lance Fernandez