Sharks Sign Former NFL First Rounder Robert Nkemdiche

by Clint Davenport

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Sharks sign DL Robert Nkemdiche ahead of the NAL Playoffs. A former first round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, this will be Nkemdiche’s first time in arena football.


Robert Nkemdiche (6’3, 296) was drafted 29th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 where he spent his first three years of professional football. After the Cardinals, Nkemdiche spent the 2019 season with the Miami Dolphins and the 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks. Most recently, he was a member of the Michigan Panthers of the USFL.


Before entering the draft, Nkemdiche spent three years at Ole Miss. In his freshman season, Nkemdiche saw action in 11 games with ten starts. He tallied 34 tackles, two sacks, and three QB hurries on his way to being named Freshman All-SEC and First-Team Freshman All-American. As a sophomore, Nkemdiche was named a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award given to the best defensive player in college football. He was also awarded All-SEC First Team and All-American Second team before declaring for the NFL draft.


As a high school recruit, Nkemdiche was one of the highest rated recruits of all time and is one of only five players to ever receive a perfect 1.000 composite rating. During his time at Grayson High School in Atlanta, GA, Nkemdiche racked up 41 sacks and was named an Under Armour All-American in both his junior and senior years.


About the Jacksonville Sharks:

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL).The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks season tickets for the 2023 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700 or visit https://www.jaxsharks.com/shark-nation-memberships Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.