EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – If the Giants could construct a prototypical inside linebacker in a football lab, the finished product might just be Bobby Okereke.
"You're getting a fast, physical linebacker," Okereke said on his introductory Zoom with reporters after signing his contract and officially joining the Giants. "Very smart, very intelligent. Has good ball skills and is sideline to sideline. I love to run and hit, and I'm really just a team-first guy. I don't have a big ego – humble guy. And I just want to win games."
Okereke is exactly what the Giants need and what they sought when free agency began this week. Although they were a playoff team in 2022, the Giants' run defense was not as stout as they desired. The defense finished 27th in the NFL defending the run, allowing 144.2 yards a game. Their opponents averaged 5.2 yards a carry, the league's second-highest figure.
Those numbers should improve with Okereke in the middle of the defense. A 6-1, 235-pounder, he spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. His career totals include 409 tackles (285 solo), 15 stops for loss, 2.0 sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Okereke believes he can improve both his production and the Giants.
"This was unique because it was a great offer and a great team fit," he said. "Obviously, this defense is just really good. I got two great guys playing in front of me (Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams). Two good guys on the edge (Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari). Really, the whole defense is doing well. This offense is playing really well and playing really well toward this past year, end of the season. So, just excited to be part of the rise."
Okereke, who will be 27 when the 2023 season begins, missed just two games in four seasons with the Colts and has played in 40 consecutive games, including one in the postseason. He is a three-down linebacker who has played in 64 regular-season games with 49 starts. In the previous two seasons, Okereke participated in 91.6% of Indianapolis' defensive snaps, including a team-high 98.4% in 2021.
Okereke, 6-1 and 235 pounds, certainly made a favorable impression in MetLife Stadium on New Year's Day, when he had a career-high 17 tackles, including 13 solo and two for loss, plus a forced fumble, in the Colts' 38-10 loss to the Giants (who clinched a playoff berth). It was his fourth double-digit tackle game of the season and the ninth of his career.
"Everything just kind of came together that game, honestly," he said. "Obviously, I kind of knew how well the Giants were playing at that time in the year. Playing against Saquon (Barkley) and Daniel Jones, I knew the challenge I had. Had a really good week of preparation and coming into the game, just the feel and the atmosphere in the stadium - now it's a blessing that I get to be a part of it.
"But I was just amped up, playing really well. And I got in a groove that game, obviously 17 tackles. Had the forced fumble, a couple TFLs (tackles for loss). I just felt very free playing. So, it was exciting. And for that to be my best game of the year, for this to come full circle and for me to be a New York Giant in this moment, it's just really surreal. I'm very grateful."
View the best photos of new Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pressures Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on a fourth down play in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs onto the field before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) is seen during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 54-19. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 13, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) is seen before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 54-19. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke greets fans as he walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 19-10. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pressures Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on a pass play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football games, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) rushes around the edge during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the Denver Broncos of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct 6, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) makes a catch as he runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) points to the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) protects the edge as he defends during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeat the Colts 24-0. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) at the snap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 26-11. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) walks back to the huddle during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) walks to the field for practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Sunday, July 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke reacts after an incomplete pass by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) rushes during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Linebacker (58) Bobby Okereke of the Indianapolis Colts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in Indianapolis, IN. The Buccaneers defeated the Colts 38-31. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) looks up at the scoreboard during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Linebacker (58) Bobby Okereke of the Indianapolis Colts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in Indianapolis, IN. The Buccaneers defeated the Colts 38-31. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) looks to the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) drops into pass coverage during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) stands ready during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) drops into coverage during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 in Minneapolis. Indianapolis won 12-10. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) sprints down the field during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) drops into coverage during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) wears a social justice sticker for Elijah McClain during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke #58 is seen on the sideline during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) sprints to the sidelines during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) looks into the offensive backfield during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs onto the field for starting lineups during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) rushes Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) congratulate each after a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) wears a sticker reading "Elijah McClain" during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jaguars won 27-20. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) sets up for a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) covers a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) plays against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) plays against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) warms up before before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke stands during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 26-16. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Indianapolis Colts' Bobby Okereke runs during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 24-16.(AP Photo/David Dermer)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Thursday, July 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs a drill during practice at the NFL team's football training camp in Westfield, Ind., Thursday, July 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Okereke said his duties will expand in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's position-less defense.
"I'm going to blitz a lot more, which I'm excited about," Okereke said. "I've had a lot of blitz sack-fumbles. I had a really good one, I want to say a year or two ago, against the Titans. I love playing fast, physical. And I think that's why coach Martindale blitzes so much, so players can play free. There's not a lot of thinking, and that's what you want to eliminate. You want to eliminate thinking and just have fast decision making."
Because he had just two sacks in four seasons, Okereke was asked why he didn't blitz more often with the Colts.
"I think coverage has been such an asset of mine," he said. "Coaches have always felt that if they blitz in front of me, I'm a guy who can scrape over the top and clean things up. Or if I'm the sole guy in coverage, I'm going to hold up. So, I'm just excited for the opportunity."
Okereke hasn't yet attended his first meeting, but he's just as excited to play for Martindale as those who were with him last season.
"He's very real," Okereke said. "He's a straight shooter. But Wink's a cool guy. I just figured that out in the first couple of minutes I got to hang out with him. I'm just excited. I got his number. I'll be talking to him throughout this whole process, OTAs. I'm just looking forward to building strong relationships here in this building so we can build as a team."
Because he is a durable tackling machine, Okereke knew he several teams would show interest in free agency. But the California native said moving to New Jersey was an easy decision.
"This was a team I had my eye on," he said. "There was a lot of mutual interest. When things lined up, just worked with my agent. I told him once we had the right deal, I was ready to pull trigger. So, this honestly is the perfect situation for me.
"There were a couple of teams that were interested throughout the whole process. And I told my agent from day one, 'I want to play in New York City.' New York City's been one of my favorite cities, growing up, my whole life. And this franchise is on the rise. I was very fortunate to play behind (Colts defensive linemen) DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Very elite defensive tackles, and to be able to replicate that, if not improve on that here with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, it's just a very fortunate opportunity for me as a linebacker. I'm excited. I'm excited for the opportunity. I'm excited to meet the leaders of this team. I'm excited to be part of this defense and franchise."
