Chidi Francis Iwuoma (born February 19, 1978) is a former American football cornerback who is currently a scout for BLESTO. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at California. Iwuoma has also played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans. He won Super Bowl XL over the Seattle Seahawks with the Steelers.

Early life

Iwuoma's parents were Nigerian immigrants. Chidi Iwuoma attended Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California. He then attended the University of California, Berkeley where he played football. At California, Iwuoma returned kicks and punts while also playing cornerback. Chidi Iwuoma is a member of Iota Phi Theta fraternity.

Professional career

Detroit Lions

Iwuoma signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent following the 2001 NFL draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Iwuoma primarily played on special teams while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers following the 2005 season. Iwuoma was elected the special teams co-captain for two consecutive seasons. In 2006, he underwent shoulder surgery but returned in time for pre-season camp. During the pre-season he suffered a concussion and was released on September 6.

New England Patriots

Iwuoma signed with the New England Patriots on October 4, 2006. He was released on October 31.

St. Louis Rams

A few weeks after his release from the Patriots, Iwuoma signed with the St. Louis Rams on November 14. He was released again on November 28.

Return to Pittsburgh

On December 5, 2006, with four games remaining in the season, the Steelers re-signed Iwuoma. Iwuoma ended his 2006 season with the Steelers but dislocated his wrist. He was re-signed on March 16, 2007, as an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers waived Iwuoma as a final cut on September 2.

Tennessee Titans

He was signed by the Titans on December 26, 2007. He became an unrestricted free agent after the season.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

After professional career

Iwuoma worked with the University of California's Athletic Study Center from 2009 to 2012, where he served as assistant director of Student-Athlete Development. In May 2013 he joined the Steelers as their designated BLESTO scout.