HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Christian Okoye, Roque Santa Cruz, Joleon Lescott

Christian Okoye



Christian Okoye is 52 today. He is a Nigerian-American former American footballer for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. Nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," Okoye was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles.

Okoye was born in Enugu, Nigeria and did not play American football until he was 23. He excelled in track and field, winning seven college titles in the shotput, discus, and hammer throw. The first time he attended an American football game he thought the game was boring. After the Nigerian government failed to select Okoye for the Olympics, he sought something else to do besides track & field and went out for American football. Initially, Okoye did not enjoy the roughness of football and thought about quitting but friends convinced him to continue playing. He went on to have a great career and retired as the Chiefs' all-time rushing leader, having amassed 4,897 yards, 1,246 attempts, and 14 games with at least 100 yards rushing, in his six seasons.

Roque Santa Cruz

Roque Santa Cruz is 32 today. He is a Paraguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Málaga. He is just 8 games shy of having a century caps for Paraguay. Santa Cruz was described in his 2006 FIFA World Cup profile as having "long caused problems for opposing defences with his natural flair for goalscoring and surging runs into the penalty box."

Joleon Lescott



Joleon Lescott is 31 today. He is an English footballer, who plays for Manchester City and the England national football team. He plays as a centre-back, though he has played in various other positions across the defensive line, including left-back.