Uche Nwaneri was an offensive guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2007 through the 2013 season. After being released by the Jaguars, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 but was released during training camp. He subsequently retired.
Nwaneri broke out in 2009 with an excellent year, avoiding penalties the entire season and only credited with allowing half a sack. A powerful run blocker and impressive pass protector, Nwaneri was a big part of creating lanes for Maurice Jones-Drew over the years, and MJD led the league in rushing yards in 2011 because of it.
Nwaneri was always a colorful, outspoken personality on Twitter, and he didn’t shy away from his criticism of the political climate in America during the first Trump administration. He tragically passed away at the age of 38 in 2022. Cause of death is unknown but likely a heart attack.