Q&A: Post NFL Career, Onobun Serving Those In Need
2/15/2024 10:01:00 AM | Football, General
The University of Houston Athletics holds a rich history of contributing to the advancement of Black students, with significant milestones in breaking racial barriers in major sports. Dating to the 1960s, the university played a crucial role in aiding racial integration. During a time when segregation was prevalent in sports, the University of Houston embraced the talent and potential of Black athletes, leading to a more inclusive and diverse athletic community. Icons like Elvin Hayes, who played for the Cougars' Men's Basketball team in the 1960s, became trailblazers, setting the stage for future generations of Black athletes as did Houston Football's Warren McVea who broke the color barrier by becoming the first Black player to suit up for a major college football team in Texas during 1965.
As part of the celebration of Black History Month in 2024, Houston Athletics is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the achievements of former student-athletes who have transcended their roles on the field and court to become leaders in their respective professions. These student-athletes embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership instilled during their time at the University of Houston.
Fendi Onobun, a former University of Houston Football student-athlete, made a lasting impact during his time on campus, dedicating himself to excellence both on and off the field. Hailing from Alief Taylor High School, Onobun showcased his athletic prowess during the 2009 football season and was selected by the Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft.
After five seasons in the NFL, Onobun moved back home to Houston to further be an exemplary role model. He emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic excellence with mental well-being. In 2024, he plans to spearhead the "Core Leadership Foundation," a program centered around safe mental space for peak performance athletes. The platform will provide athletes with the tools they need to not only be successful, but confidence in themselves.
Onobun is also the author of the book, Transition: One Kid's Bank Shot to the NFL. For more, visit Fendispeaks.org.
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Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
As part of the celebration of Black History Month in 2024, Houston Athletics is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the achievements of former student-athletes who have transcended their roles on the field and court to become leaders in their respective professions. These student-athletes embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership instilled during their time at the University of Houston.
Fendi Onobun, a former University of Houston Football student-athlete, made a lasting impact during his time on campus, dedicating himself to excellence both on and off the field. Hailing from Alief Taylor High School, Onobun showcased his athletic prowess during the 2009 football season and was selected by the Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft.
After five seasons in the NFL, Onobun moved back home to Houston to further be an exemplary role model. He emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic excellence with mental well-being. In 2024, he plans to spearhead the "Core Leadership Foundation," a program centered around safe mental space for peak performance athletes. The platform will provide athletes with the tools they need to not only be successful, but confidence in themselves.
Onobun is also the author of the book, Transition: One Kid's Bank Shot to the NFL. For more, visit Fendispeaks.org.
Q: Since retiring from the NFL, what has been your career focus and how are you using those experiences to help guide the next generation?
Fendi Onobun: My career focus honestly has been interesting. I've always tried to figure how I could best serve those in need, whether through fitness, real estate, sports and now speaking, I've realized the more self-development I've done the clearer my purpose has become. Now married and a father of two, my focus and priorities have changed immensely. In addition to the self-work, it has created the lane I'm in now. As a speaker, I use my experiences in athletics and life to help others avoid some of the pitfalls I made on my own journey.
Q: As you've visited in schools across the area, you've discussed core principles. Why is that an important message for our youth to hear and what are you looking to drive home with them as part of those motivational series?
Q: You're a proud native Houstonian. What has this city meant to you and what role does it play in your motivation to give back?
F.O.: The city of Houston has meant everything to me, it's woven into my DNA and a big part of who I am. It's also why I chose to play football at UH. I was raised to help others and to give back so any chance I get to sow into my city I welcome it because I understand the importance of giving back, and more importantly giving back to my hometown.
Q: As you've visited in schools across the area, you've discussed core principles. Why is that an important message for our youth to hear and what are you looking to drive home with them as part of those motivational series?
F.O.: Core principles are important to me because they have shaped me into the man I am today. They serve as guiding pillars that direct our actions and decisions in our lives. When I was young, I never heard of principles or core values, nor did I understand the importance of having them. I believe it's crucial for our young people to understand the significance of having core principles so that they can have a set of values to live by when they find themselves in challenging circumstances or moments of adversity.
Q: What advice would you give a current student-athlete?
Q: You have an incredible story, which you detail in your book "Transition: One Kid's Bank Shot to the NFL" of this crossroads in your life – one which led you to go from playing basketball at Arizona to football at Houston. How would you characterize that time in your life and how did it shape you into who you've become today?
F.O.: That period in my life was wild, a blur. Picture making the decision to leave the sport you've played your entire life, to try a new sport you've never played before until you were 22 years old, with the hope of reaching the highest level the sport has to offer— the NFL. Sounds crazy, right? That moment taught me that I wasn't afraid of taking risks, even if they sounded crazy, and it molded me into a man who understands the importance of extreme focus, discipline, dedication, and having the right people around you to help you achieve your wildest dream.
Q: What advice would you give a current student-athlete?
F.O.: They are more than what they can do on the field or on the court. They need to understand their value.
Q: You have an incredible story, which you detail in your book "Transition: One Kid's Bank Shot to the NFL" of this crossroads in your life – one which led you to go from playing basketball at Arizona to football at Houston. How would you characterize that time in your life and how did it shape you into who you've become today?
Q: You're a proud native Houstonian. What has this city meant to you and what role does it play in your motivation to give back?
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Houston student-athlete?
F.O.: Beating Rice and winning the Bayou Bucket back!SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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