Why Scotland’s NFL superstar David Ojabo is eyeing a Superbowl and SPFL double

THEY are thinking big in the Granite City right now.

And Aberdeen-raised David Ojabo is living proof that dreams CAN come true.

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The Baltimore Ravens linebacker is still in touch with his Dons-daft school friends. He’s been granted access-all-areas tours of Pittodrie and Cormack Park on his return to Scotland.

And as his hometown club chase silverware here, Ojabo is eyeing glory of his own this season in the Super Bowl.

He told SunSport: “Our sport is becoming internationally loved and embraced.

“People are following and supporting and nowhere more than in the UK. The fans over there are really loving it.

“I want to help any way I can, even if it’s just people reading my story or watching me in the league.

“They should ask, ‘Why not me?’. I did it. I was just a kid from Scotland with dreams. All it was, was dreams.

“But I turned it into a real work ethic and you see where I am now.”

Ojabo’s story is as uplifting as the form of his Ravens side — and the Dons back home.

Born in Nigeria, he moved to Aberdeen aged seven and played football and basketball at school.

At 17, he moved to New Jersey and discovered the NFL.

He excelled under Jim Harbaugh, now coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, while with the Michigan Wolverines.

He was snapped up by Harbaugh’s brother John for the Ravens in the 2022 draft.

And after overcoming a horror cruciate ligament injury, the 24-year-old is helping drive the Ravens to their ultimate goal of Super Bowl success.

Ojabo added: “It’s so important that you never forget where you’re from.

“I talk to my pals most days or at least every week and update them. They let me know how proud they are.

“I think of the people who are supporting me on this journey.

“I played soccer and a little bit of basketball when I was at school. It was just anywhere I could exploit my athletic ability.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t know about American football. You just heard about the big names like Tom Brady or Odell Beckham.

“Now it’s growing and I see more people being involved.

“If we reach the Super Bowl? Oh my days, the whole city of Aberdeen will be asking for tickets!”

Ojabo’s Aberdeen accent may have disappeared after seven years Stateside, but he’s not forgotten the city — and they haven’t forgotten him.

He said: “After living here for a few years, the Americans have got me.

“But I’ll tell you what, when I go back to Aberdeen the accent comes out again.

“They don’t understand me here if I talk like a true Scotsman, so I don’t even bother.

“When I’ve come home, Aberdeen have hosted me twice for games and I went to the practice facility up by Westhill.

“It was good. They are great guys, great people, great coaches, great culture.

“Every time I go back home I try to see a game or go by the facility and check the guys out. They always welcome me with open arms.”

Ojabo, who faces the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North showdown this evening, is aware of the NFL’s growing profile back home.

Minnesota, Chicago and Jacksonville all won sell-out London games this month, while Brazil and Germany also host games this season.

Baltimore have won five straight games and racked up 41 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Monday night.

Now back to full fitness, Ojabo wants to play his part in the push for success.

He said: “I played with coach Harbaugh’s brother in Michigan and that connection now is important.

“He knows what I can bring and the confidence he has in me means the world to me.

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“It’s a really good division and a really good conference. We can’t look too far ahead as there’s still a lot of ball to be played.

“The whole league is talented and you need to come with your ‘A’ Game.

“Winning is everything. We all come to work to win.

“The main goal is to win and you can’t think of anything better. The confidence and the vibe in the whole building is just perfect.

“It’s a daily process. You have to attack every day. I’m doing that and you see the results in the team play.

“We are playing well, we’re winning and our best football is ahead of us.

“Our whole defence is stacked. It’s full of really talented players. We have a good rotation going and we’re winning by association.

“Everyone pitches in and coach Harbaugh tells everyone, ‘Play your part, do your job’. We don’t worry about anybody else.

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“We’re doing well and we’re winning.”

Superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson — the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player — is the driving force for the Ravens on the field.

And Ojabo added: “Lamar, his name and his game speaks for itself.

“He makes everything right, makes everything look easy and he’s the MVP.

“He is the Most Valuable Player but also he’s the most valuable person. You can’t say more than that.

“For me personally, when I was going through my injuries, I would talk to him and he’d emphasise to keep the faith.

“He’s a really solid leader and team-mate and he cares about everybody in the team.

“For what he does driving the team, it’s on us to play our role to make sure we go as far as possible.

“And that, of course, means the Super Bowl.”

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