Former USC Trojans and current Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu took time to sit down with LAFB Network’s USC beat writer and co-host of the Salute to Troy podcast, Ryan Dyrud to talk about Nwosu’s contribution to his high school alma mater, Narbonne High School near Long Beach, Calif, in the form of a state-of-the-art athletic training facility.
Nwosu said of the whole experience, “Giving back to my high school has been so rewarding and fulfilling.”
Former USC Trojans LB, Uchenna Nwosu, Gives Back
LAFB: What inspired you to stay involved with where your career began and give back?
Uchenna Nwosu: “I just felt like it was very important. My parents always instilled a mindset of helping others and being a kind person. So why not start in the community where I was raised? It felt like that was one of the best places to give back; my local high school. Especially, considering how much support they need and help they need to progress the students.
LAFB: How did the idea (or need) of a new athletic facility come about?
UN: “The idea actually came from a coach from when I was attending Narbonne High School. She was the head of the women’s basketball team. She, recently, reached out to me with an idea of how I can give back to the school. Once I heard the idea I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s great.’ It was an amazing opportunity and a way for me to show my appreciation to the school.
LAFB: How important is it for you to give back to your community and help these kids potentially become the next Uchenna Nwosu?
UN: It’s very important because a lot of kids don’t have the resources or never even get to experience or be in the same room as a professional athlete. I feel like it was my duty to be able to be that ‘helping hand’ and be that ‘leader’ to those kids to show them that it is possible for them to chase their dreams.
LAFB: Do you have other plans or initiatives that you are involved in that give back to the LA community?
Yes, the weekend of June 27-29 I’m having my first annual Uchenna Nwosu Foundation charity event where I’ll have a youth football camp free for youth ages eight through 17. I have a charity bowling event to help raise money for the foundation as well as a charity golf tournament to help raise money for the foundation.