Born amidst the vibrant energy of Brooklyn, New York, on October 5, 2002, Israel Abanikanda’s journey to the NFL is a testament to raw talent, unwavering determination, and a touch of destiny.
His explosive runs have captivated fans, while his humble beginnings and family ties ground him, making him a rising star with a relatable story.
Professional Career Stats:
Drafted by the New York Jets in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Abanikanda’s rookie season has been a whirlwind of highs. He’s already etched his name in the record books, setting the Pitt single-game rushing record with 320 yards and tying a school and ACC conference record with 6 rushing touchdowns in a single game. His current stats speak volumes:
Rushing yards: 1,431
Rushing touchdowns: 20
All-purpose yards: 1,640.9 (second-most in Pitt history)
Touchdowns: 21 (second-most for ACC Player of the Year)
Height and Weight:
At 5 feet 11 inches and 215 pounds, Abanikanda combines quickness with power. His compact build allows him to navigate through tight spaces, while his strength allows him to break tackles and outrun defenders.
College, Draft, and Teams Played:
Abanikanda honed his skills at Pittsburgh, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His standout performances earned him numerous accolades, including Doak Walker Running Back of the Week, Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week, and Pro Football Focus National Offensive Player of the Week. Despite being projected as a higher draft pick, Abanikanda fell to the 5th round, where the Jets scooped him up with the 143rd overall pick.
Jersey Number:
Fans at MetLife Stadium can spot Abanikanda by his number 25 jersey. This number has become synonymous with his electrifying runs and infectious energy, a constant reminder of his journey from Brooklyn streets to the NFL spotlight.
Super Bowl Wins:
While Abanikanda is yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, his dedication and work ethic fuel his aspirations. He constantly seeks improvement, aiming to add a Super Bowl championship to his already impressive resume.
Religion and Ethnicity:
Abanikanda proudly identifies as Christian and embraces his African American heritage. His faith and background shape his character, providing him with a strong foundation and unwavering support.
Parents and Siblings:
Family plays a central role in Abanikanda’s life. He credits his parents, Michael and Carolyn Needham, for instilling in him the values of hard work and humility. He also enjoys a close bond with his siblings, who remain his biggest cheerleaders and sources of inspiration.
Wife or Girlfriend and Children:
Currently, Abanikanda remains focused on his burgeoning career. He hasn’t publicly disclosed any information about a wife or girlfriend, and he doesn’t have any children yet.
Weekly and Annual Salary:
Abanikanda’s talent and potential are reflected in his current weekly salary of $15,750.00 and an annual salary of $860,000.00. These figures are a testament to his hard work and dedication, and they are sure to rise as he establishes himself in the league.
Net Worth:
Estimates place Abanikanda’s net worth between $1 million and $2 million.
ncG1vNJzZmifmJa7orLUqGWcp51ktrS%2BwJ6jZpmSlruqt8Cnm5plk5a%2FprHRZqqtmaSoeqmxyKCfrWWnmraotNNmnZqlmaHGbq%2FOpaOen5ViwaatzKxkrJmclr%2B6ec2eq2avn6fBqXs%3D