Bucs Sign Ex-Texans Defensive Lineman Haggai Ndubuisi to 1-Year Deal

Nigerian-born Ndubuisi discovered football through YouTube videos and training programs before joining the NFL.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player's defensive stance, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.The Buccaneers' signing of international talent Haggai Ndubuisi reflects the team's efforts to diversify their roster and find new sources of defensive line depth.Denver Today

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi to a one-year contract. Ndubuisi, 25, is a Nigerian-born player who came to the NFL through the league's International Pathway Program, previously spending time with the Cardinals, Broncos, Commanders, and Texans.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to bolster their defensive line after losing Logan Hall to the Texans in free agency. Ndubuisi's signing represents the team's continued efforts to find international talent and diversify their roster.

The details

Ndubuisi grew up playing soccer and basketball in Nigeria before discovering American football by watching YouTube videos when he was 18 years old. He was later discovered by Ejike Ugboaja and Osi Umenyiora, who run a program called The Uprise that helps identify and develop football talent in Africa. After six months of training, Ndubuisi was invited to an NFL camp in London in late 2021 and also worked with former NFL offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley.

  • Ndubuisi appeared in his first career NFL game in 2025 with the Texans.
  • Ndubuisi was invited to an NFL camp in London in late 2021.

The players

Haggai Ndubuisi

A 25-year-old defensive lineman who was born in Nigeria and came to the NFL through the league's International Pathway Program, previously spending time with the Cardinals, Broncos, Commanders, and Texans.

Ejike Ugboaja

Co-leader of The Uprise, a program that helps identify and develop American football talent in Africa.

Osi Umenyiora

Co-leader of The Uprise and a former defensive end for the Giants and Falcons.

LeCharles Bentley

A former NFL offensive lineman who worked with Ndubuisi.

Logan Hall

A defensive lineman who left the Buccaneers to sign with the Texans in free agency.

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The takeaway

The Buccaneers' signing of Haggai Ndubuisi, a Nigerian-born player who discovered football through YouTube and training programs, highlights the team's commitment to finding international talent and diversifying their roster as they look to bolster their defensive line.