Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished his career as the league's 27th all-time leader for career yards per punt return.
52 Facts About Iheanyi Uwaezuoke
1.
2.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke played wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker, and punt returner.
3.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was selected to the Los Angeles Times All San Fernando Valley Team, the All California Southern Section Division VII Team, and the Daily News All Star Roster.
4.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke placed 3rd at Southern Section Finals in the triple jump covering a distance of 45 feet 2 inches.
5.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was a member of the 400 meter relay which placed 1st at the California Southern Section Division 1A Finals.
6.
At 180 pounds, Iheanyi Uwaezuoke had a personal best of 45 feet in the shot put.
7.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was recruited by UCLA, Duke, Penn, and California, but ultimately received no athletic scholarship offers.
8.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke chose to attend the University of California as a walk-on and earned a scholarship after his first semester.
9.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke became known as a big-play wide receiver for the Golden Bears.
10.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke caught 27 passes in his sophomore year, including a touchdown in Cal's 1993 Alamo Bowl win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.
11.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke rounded out his college career with 114 catches for 1,703 yards and tied a school record for total receptions in a game: 13.
12.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was invited but not medically cleared to participate in the Hula Bowl All Star Classic.
13.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke attended the NFL Combine but only participated in interviews and medical examinations.
14.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was projected as a first round draft pick prior to the 1995 NCAA Division 1-A football season.
15.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke recorded a 4.38-second forty-yard dash at the 49ers team visit.
16.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in round five of the 1996 NFL draft.
17.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke signed a three-year $572,000.00 contract with an $81,000.00 signing bonus.
18.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke recorded the best "pro agility" or 20-yard shuttle time on a 49ers roster.
19.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was regarded as one of the best athletes in the league as a result of his pro agility and forty yard dash combination.
20.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke entered the preseason opener as the 49er offense's primary deep threat and third down receiver.
21.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was utilized as the 49er offense's primary downfield option and served as team's third receiver.
22.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished second on the club in yards per catch: 13.0.
23.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was regarded as a top 40 first year player in the NFL.
24.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke registered 500+ all purpose yards by week 9 of the regular season.
25.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke underwent arthroscopic knee procedure to remove debris and missed the week 11 bout vs the Carolina Panthers.
26.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke returned to starting punt return duties in week 12 vs the San Diego Chargers and posted 60 yards on 5 returns.
27.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was removed from punt return duties after an early second quarter turnover vs Denver in week 15.
28.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke returned to the starting line up as punt returner at Seattle for the regular season finale, but was used sparingly.
29.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was not used as a punt returner for the 49ers' two game playoff bid.
30.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke committed three turnovers in 54 attempts for the season.
31.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke forced 2 fumbles and recovered another on special teams.
32.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke caught two passes in the NFC Championship Game.
33.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke appeared on the NFL leaderboard as a first year featured punt returner: NFL top ten in yards per punt return.
34.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished the regular season as one of nine players on the 49er squad to appear on the NFL single season leaderboard: Dana Stubblefield, Chris Doleman, Gary Anderson, Steve Young, Merton Hanks, Garrison Hearst, Chuck Levy, Terry Kirby.
35.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished the regular season in the top 6 on the 49ers in all purpose yards: 670, and top 5 for total yards per game: 53.
36.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was in the NFL top 10 and led the 49ers in total receptions with 13 during the 1998 preseason Iheanyi Uwaezuoke recorded a personal all-time best: 22.3 yards per reception through week 9 of the regular season.
37.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke signed with the Miami Dolphins from waivers in week 11 of 1998.
38.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was deactivated after two games but not placed on Injured Reserve: cyst in left index finger.
39.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was tendered a restricted free agent contract by the Dolphins: 1 year, $420,000.
40.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke became an unrestricted free agent in April 1999.
41.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke visited the Atlanta Falcons, Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles and received three contract offers.
42.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke signed a one-year contract as free agent with the Panthers but received no signing bonus.
43.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was released in September 1999 before the start of the regular season.
44.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke led the Lions in punts returned and total punt return yards.
45.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished the season in the NFL top twenty for yards per punt return.
46.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke led the Lions and was in the NFL top 20 in unassisted special teams tackles per game: 10 total; plus 3 assisted Tackles for a total of 13.
47.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke returned to the Panthers on 4 October 2000 on a one-year contract: $413,000 and no signing bonus.
48.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke set a franchise single season record for yards per punt return.
49.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke was the "unofficial" NFL single season leader for yards per punt return: 17.3.
50.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke finished his pro football career as the NFL's 27th all-time Leader for career yards per punt return.
51.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke recorded NFL leaderboard statistics at three uniquely different pro positions over a span of 65 games.
52.
Iheanyi Uwaezuoke is one of 13 wide receivers selected in the 1996 draft to earn an all-time top 100 rating at a skill position.