MIAMI — Former Tottenville High School standout Adewale Ogunleye served as Indiana’s honorary captain for the coin toss in Monday night’s National Championship game.
The unbeaten Hoosiers, who are vying for their first national title, faced off against the Miami Hurricanes in a highly anticipated matchup. Ogunleye, a dominant defensive lineman, played for Indiana from 1996 to 1999 before signing with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2000.
Throughout his impressive 14-season NFL career, Ogunleye earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2003 after leading the league with 15 sacks. He also played for the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, and appeared in Super Bowl XLI with the Bears in 2006.
During his college years, Ogunleye set Indiana University records for sacks (34.5) and tackles for loss (64), showcasing his disruptive presence on the field.
Before his collegiate and professional success, Ogunleye played at Tottenville High School under legendary head coach Jim Munson from 1994 to 1995. There, he dominated opposing offenses and earned honors as an Advance All Star.
Raised in the Park Hill projects, Ogunleye attended PS 57, a school he later returned to after his playing days. Demonstrating his commitment to the community, he handed out turkeys to students just before Thanksgiving.
As for the National Championship game’s coin toss, Indiana won but elected to defer to Miami.
https://www.silive.com/colleges/2026/01/former-staten-island-hs-football-star-was-indianas-honorary-captain-for-coin-toss-in-national-championship-game.html