Olamide Zaccheaus, born on July 23, 1997, in Plainfield, New Jersey, is a professional American football wide receiver for the Washington Commanders in the NFL.
Standing 5’8″ and weighing 193 lbs, he played college football at the University of Virginia.
Zaccheaus entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.
He has since established himself as a reliable receiver, recently catching eight passes for 85 yards and a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons, contributing significantly to his team’s playoff aspirations.
Parents
Zaccheaus is the son of Yimbra Mozimo, a Nigerian immigrant and domestic violence survivor.
His father, whose name remains undisclosed, was abusive, prompting Mozimo to leave the marriage and raise her two sons alone.
Working tirelessly, often 70 hours a week, she instilled in Zaccheaus a strong work ethic and resilience.
He credits his success in the NFL to her sacrifices and dedication, stating, “I’m here because of my mother.”
Mozimo’s journey from Nigeria to the U.S. was marked by challenges, yet she remained a pivotal influence in Zaccheaus’s life.
College career
Zaccheaus played college football at the University of Virginia from 2015 to 2018, where he established himself as a standout receiver.
He was recruited from St. Joseph Regional High School in New Jersey, where he earned numerous accolades for his performance.
During his freshman year in 2015, Zaccheaus made an immediate impact, appearing in all 12 games and showcasing his potential.
As he progressed through his college career, Zaccheaus continued to develop his skills. In his sophomore year, he became more involved in the offense and also contributed on special teams.
By his junior year, he was emerging as a key target for the Cavaliers. However, it was during his senior year in 2018 that he truly shined.
Zaccheaus led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 93 receptions and 1,058 receiving yards, earning First-Team All-ACC honors.
He concluded his college career with impressive statistics: 250 receptions, 2,753 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns, setting the school record for career receptions.
Senior career
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Zaccheaus signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
His journey to making the roster was marked by hard work and determination.
In his rookie season, he spent most of the year on the practice squad but was elevated to the active roster later in the season, making his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13.
Over the next few seasons, Zaccheaus developed into a reliable receiver for the Falcons, showcasing his ability to make plays both as a slot receiver and on special teams.
Zaccheaus had several notable performances during his time with the Falcons.
In the 2021 season, he recorded multiple receptions in key games, demonstrating his speed and playmaking ability.
He continued to build on this success in the 2022 season, contributing significantly to the Falcons’ offense.
In March 2023, Zaccheaus signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding depth to their receiving corps with his experience and skill set.
His versatility as a receiver continues to make him a valuable asset to his team.
