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Portrait of Oday Aboushi

Oday Aboushi

Influential Palestinian Voice in Sports

Born
1991
Born in
Brooklyn, NY
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Why Oday is here

Outstanding Athletic and Humanitarian Achievements

Their story

Oday Aboushi is a Palestinian-American former professional football player who is celebrated not only for his sports achievements as an offensive guard in the NFL but also for his significant contributions to humanitarian causes.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Oday’s path.

  1. NFL Career

    Drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, Aboushi played for several teams including the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in over 85 games and starting 51 times.

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  2. Humanitarian Efforts

    Volunteered in Sudan with the Save a Smile initiative to help over 250 cleft lip and palate surgeries and contributed significantly during the refugee crisis in Lesbos, Greece.

  3. Community Engagement

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, distributed 40,000 pounds of food to New Yorkers in need.

  4. Advocacy

    Defended by the Anti-Defamation League against accusations, promoting a positive image of Palestinians in American sports.

  5. Education and Early Life

    Played football at the University of Virginia, where he was recognized as a first-team all-ACC player, setting a high standard from his college days.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Professional Sports

    Made significant impacts on every team he played with, praised for his strong, aggressive blocking style and football instincts.

  2. Humanitarian Work

    His international humanitarian missions have brought medical relief and aid to regions in need, like Sudan and Greece.

  3. Youth Inspiration

    Through speaking engagements and sports, he inspires young people, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community service.

  4. Raising Awareness and Advocacy

    Oday Aboushi actively uses his NFL platform to spotlight the challenges and systemic oppression faced by Palestinians, particularly around the occupation of their territories. His advocacy, amplified by his profile in sports, engages and educates the significant Arab American community in Detroit, enhancing support for Palestinian issues.

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  5. Cultural Representation

    As one of the few Palestinian players in the NFL, he has proudly represented his heritage, contributing to a broader understanding and acceptance of Palestinian people in sports.

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