Charles Omenihu, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive end, has carved a notable path in the NFL since his debut in 2019. Known for his versatility and explosive playstyle, Omenihu has overcome challenges like a 2023 ACL injury and a six-game suspension to become a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense.
In 2024, he returned to peak form, helping secure the team’s playoff run while adding a Super Bowl ring to his accolades.
Charles Omenihu’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Charles Omenihu |
| Nickname | Not publicly known |
| Born | August 20, 1997 (Houston, Texas) |
| Age | 27 |
| College | University of Texas |
| Nationality | American (Nigerian heritage) |
| Height | 6’5” |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (Drafted by Houston Texans) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Salary | $6.74 million (base) |
| Relationship Status | Private; no public information on spouse or girlfriend |
| Not publicly available |
Early Career
Charles Omenihu’s football journey began at Rowlett High School in Texas, where he quickly established himself as a dominant defensive lineman. His high school performances laid the groundwork for a collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he played from 2015 to 2018.
Omenihu’s development at Texas was marked by steady growth, culminating in a standout senior season with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, which earned him the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honor. Over his four-year college career, he accumulated 115 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks, demonstrating his relentless ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
His collegiate success and raw talent caught the eye of NFL scouts, leading the Houston Texans to select him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Initially serving as a rotational player, Omenihu made an immediate impact in his rookie season, recording 3.0 sacks and proving his readiness for the professional stage. This early phase of his career highlighted his adaptability and set the foundation for his evolution into a versatile defensive asset.
Professional Career
Charles Omenihu’s NFL journey began when the Houston Texans drafted him in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rotational player, he made an immediate impact, recording 3.0 sacks in his rookie season. After two seasons with the Texans, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, where he contributed to a defense that reached the NFC Championship Game.
His breakout came in 2023 when he signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a $7.5 million signing bonus. Despite a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Omenihu delivered a career-high 7.0 sacks in 11 games, anchoring the Chiefs’ defense during their Super Bowl LVIII-winning season.
A torn ACL in the 2023 AFC Championship sidelined him for the Super Bowl, but he returned in late 2024, tallying 6 tackles and 1.0 sack in limited action. His versatility in pass rushing and run defense has solidified his role as a key contributor for the Chiefs.
Charles Omenihu’s Net Worth Details
Charles Omenihu’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Charles Omenihu signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2023, featuring a $7.5 million signing bonus and $8.6 million fully guaranteed at signing. In 2024, his base salary rose to $6.74 million, contributing to a $10.97 million cap hit—the seventh-highest on the team.
The deal included performance incentives tied to playing time and postseason success, such as $2 million for a Super Bowl win if he played 65% of snaps. Despite a midseason ACL tear in 2023, he returned in late 2024, retaining his roster spot and avoiding potential cap savings of $7.4 million had the Chiefs released him.
His career earnings total $20.8 million as of 2024, with the contract set to expire in 2025, making him an unrestricted free agent unless extended.
Salary
In 2024, Charles Omenihu earns a $6.74 million base salary as part of his two-year, $16 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and $8.6 million fully guaranteed. His total earnings for the year reach $7.4 million with additional incentives, contributing to a $10.97 million cap hit—the seventh-highest on the team.
The deal features performance-based playoff bonuses, such as $2 million for a Super Bowl win if he plays 65% of snaps. Despite a midseason ACL tear in 2023, the Chiefs retained him in 2024, avoiding $7.4 million in potential cap savings had he been released. Omenihu’s career earnings now total over $20.5 million, reflecting his steady rise as a key defensive asset.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
| 2019 | Houston Texans | $495,000 |
| 2020 | Houston Texans | $675,000 |
| 2021 | Texans/49ers | $920,000 |
| 2022 | San Francisco 49ers | $2.54 million |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | $4.49 million |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $10.97 million |
| Total | $20.5 million |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
| 2019 | Texans | 13 | 3.0 | 2 |
| 2020 | Texans | 17 | 4.5 | 0 |
| 2021 | 49ers | 6 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 49ers | 20 | 4.5 | 1 |
| 2023 | Chiefs | 28 | 7.0 | 2 |
| 2024 | Chiefs | 6 | 1.0 | 1 |
| Career | 95 | 19.5 | 6 |
FAQs
1. What position does Charles Omenihu play?
Charles Omenihu is a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, wearing jersey #90. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 280 lbs, he specializes in pass rushing and has recorded 19.5 career sacks as of February 2025.
2. Which teams has Charles Omenihu played for?
Omenihu was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2019, traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. He won Super Bowl LIX with the Chiefs in 2024 despite tearing his ACL during the AFC Championship game.
3. Where did Charles Omenihu go to college?
He played college football at the University of Texas from 2015-2018. As a senior, he recorded 9.5 sacks and earned 2018 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors before being drafted in the fifth round.
4. What is Charles Omenihu’s ethnic background?
His parents, Regina and Sunday Omenihu, immigrated from Nigeria to Texas before his birth. He was raised in Rowlett, Texas, alongside his sister Augustina, and attended Rowlett High School.
5. What was Charles Omenihu’s NFL draft position?
The Houston Texans selected Omenihu with the 161st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the 21st defensive end chosen that year.
6. How many career sacks does Charles Omenihu have?
As of February 2025, Omenihu has 19.5 career sacks across six NFL seasons. His best year came in 2023 with Kansas City when he recorded 7.0 sacks in just 11 games.
7. What injury did Charles Omenihu suffer in 2024?
He tore his ACL during the 2024 AFC Championship Game against Baltimore. Despite this season-ending injury, he earned his first Super Bowl ring when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers two weeks later.
8. What recent comments did Omenihu make about Travis Kelce?
In February 2025, Omenihu publicly urged Kelce to return for another season, stating, “We can’t go out like that” after Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIX loss. He believes the 35-year-old tight end still has championship potential.
9. What are Charles Omenihu’s key physical measurements?
At his 2019 NFL Combine, he recorded a 36″ arm span, 9.375″ hand span, and 36.5″ vertical jump. His 4.92-second 40-yard dash and 7.25-second three-cone drill showcased his agility for a 280-lb athlete.
10. What is Charles Omenihu’s current contract status?
Omenihu is an active free agent after completing a two-year deal with Kansas City. His future remains uncertain due to both his ACL recovery and the Chiefs’ salary cap constraints.
