Carolina Panthers defensive end Efe Obada has signed a one-year contract extension, the organization has announced.
Obada, who has spent two seasons in the NFL, was the first player through the league's International Player Pathway Program to make a 53-man roster. The defensive lineman previously played for semi-professional England-based London Warriors before signing for the Panthers in 2017.
Obada, who was born in Nigeria, was trafficked at the age of 10 from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom before being abandoned on the streets of London with his older sister.
"It's still an uphill battle," Obada said in a statement. "It's going to be like a rookie year for me, kind of a 'prove it' year. At the same time, it's also an opportunity. It's about my work ethic and just improving.
Back for more in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣! pic.twitter.com/U9x4TmHJHJ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 6, 2020
"I felt I improved as a player [this season] and the game is definitely slowing down to me. My instincts are getting better. But it was a sack-less season and there was frustration in that.
"Just have to keep working at it. It's just testament to the guys who consistently go out there and get sacks."
Obada was named one of the team captains for his return to London in the Panthers' 37-26 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in October.