Awe accumulated 171 solo tackles over 51 games for the Texas Tech Red Raiders including 77 stops as a senior and defensive captain in 2015.
Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In May of 2016, Awe was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the team's rookie mini-camp, however after failing to make the Buccaneers' 53-man final roster, Awe was signed to the practice squad on September 5, 2016.[1] He was released on September 10, 2016.[2][3]
BC Lions (first stint)
On March 7, 2017, Awe signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[4] In his first season with the Lions, Awe recorded 54 defensive tackles, 16 special teams tackles and one forced fumble. On January 31, 2018, Awe was released by the Lions, in order to allow him to pursue a contract with the New York Jets, in his return to the NFL. This action led to the Lions being "heavily fined".[5][6]
On February 1, 2018, Awe signed with the New York Jets.[7] He was waived by the Jets on April 28, 2018, releasing him from his contract.[8]
BC Lions (second stint)
On August 20, 2018, it was announced that Awe had re-signed with the Lions.[9] Awe dressed for seven games with the team on this stint, and made 31 defensive tackles, as well as three special teams tackles before leaving as a free agent at the conclusion of the season.
Toronto Argonauts
On February 13, 2019, Awe signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Argonauts.[10] He dressed for ten games with the team during the 2019 CFL season, recording 44 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, one sack, and one interception. Awe left the Argonauts as a free agent at the conclusion of the season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
On February 18, 2020, it was announced that Awe had signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a two-year contract.[11] However, he did not play that year, due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season, and was released by the Blue Bombers on January 31, 2021.[12]
Ottawa Redblacks
Awe with the Montreal Alouettes in 2022
On February 12, 2021, Awe was signed by the Ottawa Redblacks.[13] He dressed for all 14 of the team's regular season games that year, where he recorded 74 defensive tackles and three sacks. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 8, 2022.[14]
BC Lions (third stint)
After the start of training camps around the league, Awe signed with the BC Lions for a third time on May 21, 2022.[15] He played in one game for the Lions before requesting to be released from their roster when it was apparent that he would not be a starter with the club.[16] His request was granted on June 23, 2022.[17]
Montreal Alouettes
On July 6, 2022, immediately after the firing of head coach Khari Jones, general manager and new head coach Danny Maciocia announced that Awe had signed with the Montreal Alouettes.[18] After dressing as a backup in his first game with the team on July 14, 2022, against the Edmonton Elks, he started at linebacker for the next 12 regular season games, and recorded 47 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.[19] However, he suffered a shoulder injury and did not play in the final regular season game, nor the team's two playoff games that year.[19][20] Awe became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 14, 2023.[21]
Calgary Stampeders
On February 17, 2023, it was announced that Awe had signed with the Calgary Stampeders.[22] In 2023, he played in all 18 regular season games and set career highs with 134 defensive tackles and three interceptions, along with six special teams tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.[19] The 134 defensive tackles was the third-most in a single season in CFL history. For his outstanding season, Awe was named a CFL Division and League All-Star for the first time in his career.[23]
In the 2024 season, Awe again played in 18 games, but had just 69 defensive tackles and four special teams tackles.[19] He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 11, 2025.[24][25]
BC Lions (fourth stint)
On February 11, 2025, it was announced that Awe had signed again with the BC Lions to a two-year contract.[26] He was released on January 23, 2026.[27]
Personal life
Awe was born in Lagos, Nigeria but moved to the United States when he was three years old. He has three siblings. Awe's mother graduated with her masters from Texas Tech University and his father graduated with his masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.
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