History of Robert Nkemdiche in Timeline

Robert Nkemdiche is an American professional football defensive tackle who most recently played for the Edmonton Elks of the CFL. A highly touted recruit, he played college football at the University of Mississippi before being drafted 29th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Cardinals (2016-2018), followed by brief stints with the Miami Dolphins (2019) and Seattle Seahawks (2021) before joining the CFL.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 19, 1994: Robert Nkemdiche's Birth

On September 19, 1994, Robert Nkemdiche was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Comparison to Eli Manning

In 1999, Robert Nkemdiche was touted as the highest prospect committing to Ole Miss Rebels since Eli Manning.

2002: High School Recruit Ranking

Since 2002, Robert Nkemdiche was considered a five-star recruit and was among the few players to be the consensus No. 1 prospect.

2009: Mother's Political Career

In 2009, Robert Nkemdiche's mother, a politician, returned to Nigeria.

September 2011: Mother's Political Role

As of September 2011, Robert Nkemdiche's mother represented Onitsha South in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

2011: Track & Field Achievements

In 2011, during his junior season, Robert Nkemdiche participated in track and field, achieving second-place finishes in shot put and discus at the Gwinnett County T&F Championship. He also demonstrated significant strength and speed with notable bench press, power clean, squat, and 40-yard dash times.

June 14, 2012: Commitment to Clemson

On June 14, 2012, Robert Nkemdiche initially committed to Clemson University.

October 2012: Considering Other Schools

In October 2012, Robert Nkemdiche was reported to be reconsidering his commitment to Clemson, with Ole Miss among the other schools under consideration.

November 2012: Decommitment from Clemson

In November 2012, Robert Nkemdiche decommitted from Clemson, re-opening his college options.

November 2012: Denzel Nkemdiche's Prediction

In November 2012, Robert Nkemdiche told his brother Denzel that he was going to commit to Ole Miss.

January 2013: Narrowing College Choices

By January 2013, Robert Nkemdiche had narrowed his college choices down to Ole Miss and Louisiana State.

2013: Freshman Season at Ole Miss

In 2013, Robert Nkemdiche made his college debut for Ole Miss against Vanderbilt, accumulating 34 tackles (25 solo), 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries. He was named Freshman All-SEC and a First team Freshman All-American.

December 12, 2015: Incident at Grand Hyatt Atlanta

On December 12, 2015, Robert Nkemdiche fell from a fourth-floor window at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. He was found conscious and stable but was charged with drug possession after marijuana cigarettes were found in his room.

December 2015: Suspension for Marijuana Incident

In December 2015, Robert Nkemdiche was suspended for the 2016 Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State following an incident involving marijuana.

May 29, 2016: Signing with the Cardinals

On May 29, 2016, Robert Nkemdiche signed a four-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals for $8.60 million, including $8.15 million guaranteed and a $4.45 million signing bonus.

2016: Declaration for NFL Draft

After the 2015 season and his suspension, Robert Nkemdiche decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2016 NFL draft.

2016: NFL Draft and Cardinals Debut

In 2016, Robert Nkemdiche declared early for the NFL draft and was picked 29th overall by the Arizona Cardinals. He also played for the Cardinals from 2016 to 2018.

2016: Drafted by Arizona Cardinals

In 2016, the Arizona Cardinals selected Robert Nkemdiche in the first round (29th overall) of the NFL draft.

2017: Second Season with Cardinals

During his second season in 2017, Robert Nkemdiche played in 12 games for the Arizona Cardinals, recording 11 tackles and a forced fumble.

December 11, 2018: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 11, 2018, Robert Nkemdiche was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury that required season-ending surgery.

2018: Playing for the Cardinals

Robert Nkemdiche played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.

May 2, 2019: Cardinals Decline Option

On May 2, 2019, the Arizona Cardinals declined the fifth-year option on Robert Nkemdiche's contract.

July 28, 2019: Waived by the Cardinals

On July 28, 2019, Robert Nkemdiche was waived by the Arizona Cardinals with a failed physical designation.

August 8, 2019: Signed by the Miami Dolphins

On August 8, 2019, Robert Nkemdiche was signed by the Miami Dolphins on a one-year $1.16 million contract.

November 13, 2019: Suspended by the NFL

On November 13, 2019, Robert Nkemdiche was suspended for two weeks by the NFL.

2019: Playing for the Miami Dolphins

In 2019, Robert Nkemdiche played for the Miami Dolphins.

April 29, 2021: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks

On April 29, 2021, Robert Nkemdiche signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

2021: Playing for the Seattle Seahawks

In 2021, Robert Nkemdiche played for the Seattle Seahawks.

July 26, 2022: Signed with the 49ers

On July 26, 2022, Robert Nkemdiche signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

January 11, 2023: Signed with Michigan Panthers (USFL)

On January 11, 2023, Robert Nkemdiche signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).

January 22, 2024: Signed with Edmonton Elks (CFL)

On January 22, 2024, Robert Nkemdiche signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

March 1, 2025: Arrested in Kennesaw, GA

On March 1, 2025, Robert Nkemdiche was arrested in Kennesaw, GA, for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, and driving without proof of insurance, following an incident at Bowlero Kennesaw.

July 23, 2025: Arrested for Shoplifting

On July 23, 2025, Robert Nkemdiche was arrested by Gwinnett County Police for allegedly shoplifting a bottle of wine from a gas station in Buford, GA.