American No. 1 Recruit Osa Odighizuwa Shocks NFL World: Turns Down $9.5 Million NIL Deal, Decommits from Cowboys, Signs with Washington
June 2025 — In a move that has rocked the football landscape, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, defensive phenom Osa Odighizuwa, stunned the sports world by turning down a record-breaking $9.5 million NIL deal and walking away from a verbal agreement with the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, he’s heading to Washington, choosing the Redskins over the heavily favored Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.
For weeks, Odighizuwa had been considered a lock for Dallas. The Cowboys had touted him as a future face of their franchise, and he’d even been spotted wearing a Cowboys cap at several events during NFL Draft Week. The franchise reportedly had plans to build their defensive front around him for the next decade. But in a shocking turn, Odighizuwa announced on social media last night that he would not be signing with Dallas, and instead inked a deal with Washington.
“Sometimes legacy is more important than money,” he posted. “I want to build something historic. I’m going to Washington.”
A $9.5 Million Decision
The decision didn’t come lightly. Odighizuwa reportedly turned down the largest NIL deal ever offered to a prospect — a $9.5 million package including endorsements, real estate investments, and guaranteed appearances on major sports networks. Sources say it was crafted by a Dallas-based sports agency and backed by several Texas business moguls.
“Everyone thought this was done. Dallas was ready to roll out the red carpet,” said NFL insider Jay Glazer. “This isn’t just a flip — it’s a paradigm shift.”
Why Washington?
Odighizuwa’s decision to sign with Washington, a franchise still climbing out of a decade-long rebuild, shocked even those close to him. But sources close to the athlete point to new head coach Mike Vrabel’s vision for the future — a defense-first identity built around tenacity, speed, and leadership.
In a bold move, Vrabel reportedly offered Odighizuwa more than just a position — he offered him the keys to the defense. As a 20-year-old rookie, Odighizuwa will now be expected to anchor a unit that includes veterans like Daron Payne and young rising stars like Emmanuel Forbes.
“I didn’t want to be part of a system,” Odighizuwa said during his introductory press conference. “I wanted to help create one.”
Seattle and Minnesota Left at the Altar
While Dallas reels from the loss, they’re not alone. Both the Seahawks and Vikings were in the final stretch to land the defensive prodigy. Seattle, which offered a stacked coaching staff and a booming West Coast media market, reportedly sent multiple Hall of Famers to recruit him, including former linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Minnesota, on the other hand, promised a high draft position, veteran mentorship, and instant playing time. Insiders say Odighizuwa spent a full weekend with their coaching staff, and many believed the Vikings had secured him just days before his announcement.
Instead, he chose Washington — a team that went 6-11 last season and hasn’t made a deep playoff run in over a decade.
Fallout in Dallas
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones responded to the news in an unusually terse statement: “We respect Osa’s decision and wish him well. The Cowboys will continue to pursue excellence with the players who believe in our vision.”
But fans were not as diplomatic. Social media erupted with outrage, and several Dallas-based influencers and commentators began questioning the team’s ability to close major deals in the post-prescott era.
For Odighizuwa, the noise doesn’t matter.
“I’ve always bet on myself,” he said. “I’m not chasing checks. I’m chasing greatness.”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the headlines and hashtags, Odighizuwa’s decision is being hailed by some as a transformative moment in the business of football. It’s a signal that elite young athletes may not always choose the biggest paycheck or most high-profile team — but rather, where they believe they can shape history.
“He’s already changed the narrative,” said sports analyst Mina Kimes. “What we just witnessed is a generational athlete making a generational decision. And the ripple effects are going to be felt throughout the league.”
