EAGAN, Minn. — Jeff Okudah is back to four distinct seasons, Great Lakes territory and the grittiness of NFC North football.

After spending his first three NFL seasons in Detroit, the 2020 first-round draft pick played for Atlanta in 2023 and Houston last season before this spring joining the Vikings as a free agent.

"It's an explosive division with a mix of toughness in there, too," Okudah told Vikings.com. "It's not just all finesse. It's like, you do see a lot of high-powered offenses, but there's also an element of toughness that every team possesses. I think it makes for really fascinating games."

Born in New Jersey, Okudah's family relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas, when he was 11 years old. It was that move that fully immersed him in the game of football.

"I was able to see immediately what they mean when they say, 'Texas football is different,' " Okudah reflected of the region where football reigns king. "I was really grateful for the experience to be able to play in those high-stakes environments, really feel that competitive nature."

He went on to star at Ohio State University, where neither top-tier receivers nor Midwest winters intimidated him.

"A couple of guys were shocked by the cold," Okudah laughed, "but thankfully I had that experience of growing up on the East Coast in my pocket."

Since being drafted No. 3 overall by the Lions, the cornerback's pro journey has been anything but linear. Okudah navigated injuries and other challenges throughout his first five seasons but is thrilled for a fresh start and opportunity to make an impact in the game he's never stopped loving.

"I think for me, the fun comes from understanding — it's taking a step back and understanding the blessing that I have to be here," he said. "Getting older, you see guys that you've started the journey with, whether in high school or college or even the NFL that are no longer playing, and they've transitioned to other careers or endeavors. So be able to come in here every single day and do this, you know, I have a lot of gratitude.

"That stopped me from ever complaining; like, just come out there and have fun. Go out there and understand that what you're doing is only a chapter in your life, so you want to be able to enjoy it and create good moments," Okudah added.

He's entering his debut Vikings season with 44 career games (31 starts) under his belt. Okudah has recorded 177 total tackles (including two on special teams), seven tackles for loss, 14 passes defensed, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown. He also contributed heavily on special teams last season for the Texans.

But who is Jeff Okudah beyond his stat line, now-Purple helmet and his No. 21 jersey?

We're glad you asked.

Q: When you were coming into the league, the NFL Draft was all virtual that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I remember you made the news for how sharply you were dressed despite having to be at home. Has fashion always been important to you?

A: "I think I just really like the details. I was looking forward to going to the draft. I had met with Thom Browne, and we had this whole draft outfit we were going to do in Las Vegas. But when everything got moved virtually, we had to kind of pivot — and think of something that was going to be going to be kind of fly but, like, not overdo because we're at the house. I think they did a really great job of styling me there."

Q: Did you ever get a chance to wear the suit you were originally going to?

A: "Unfortunately, no. But it ended up still being a cool experience to be around all my loved ones and wear something cool."

Q: Are there any fashion icons that inspire your look, or do you prefer to be independent that way?

A: "I like to create my own look and wear clothes as an expression, kind of have the autonomy to wear what I want to wear. I know some guys might hire people to style them, but I just go in my closet and put things together. It's kind of cool to just see how it all comes together sometimes."

Q: Do you have a favorite game-day look thus far?

A: "You know, I've only worn a suit one time to a game, and I got a pick six that game. So, maybe I should wear some more suits."

Editor's note: The game reference was for the Lions in Week 10 of the 2022 season. Okudah snagged an interception against the Bears and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown at Soldier Field.

Q: Who are some of the best-dressed guys you've seen in the league?

A: "I like Laremy Tunsil; I like Laremy Tunsil a lot. He's a bigger guy, but he knows how to really wear clothes that fit his body, if that makes sense. I give him a lot of credit, because I know with a lot of these bigger guys, they can't just go into the store and get clothes [that fit]."

Q: Do you have any other hobbies? What gives you joy outside of playing football?

A: "I like reading. I like learning about financial literacy. This past year, I've been sharpening my financial literacy, doing different courses, reading different books."

Q: That's really cool; where does that interest come from?

A: "When I suffered an injury last year, having that extra time to yourself, I realized that the financial literacy aspect was a piece that probably is neglected by a lot of people, and I realized it wasn't just athletes — even people outside of the profession didn't really have a great understanding of financial literacy and everything that it encompasses. So I just took the time to change the content I was consuming and [be intentional with] beneficial content."

Q: Do you ever opt to pick up a novel?

A: "I could read fiction, but if it's not a financial literacy thing, it'll probably still be some type of self-help. I read The Alchemist, which is a fiction book but also somewhat of a self-help, so it was the best of both worlds, in a way."

Q: Are there any special talents you have that fans might not know about?

A: "Special talents … Ooh, I cannot cook. (Laughs) I would say I'm good at video games, but really on a larger scale, I'm probably average — but I'm biased, for sure. So maybe my talent is playing football."

Q: Would you say you're a big traveler?

A: "I'm not opposed to traveling; I just have a limit of, like, when it gets past 4 hours and 30 minutes, I start getting a little antsy, so I try to keep my trips under that. Even road trips. Like taking 15-hour road trips, go to a bunch of colleges? That's not my thing. I don't like sitting down in the same spot for a long time."

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: "I don't have any pets. My daughter really wants a dog, but it's a lot of work. I've had a dog before and know it's a lot of work, so I want to be really ready for that if I ever get another one."

Q: How old is your daughter? What does she think of Minnesota?

A: "She's 7. We went to the Mall of America, and she thought that was pretty cool. And she's like, 'There's a lot of trees out here.' For me, it's really cool for her to see the world and different places I've played at, to be part of that experience and a part of the journey however she can."

Q: Does she recognize how cool dad's job is?

A: "She realizes a little bit, probably because of her classmates, you know, 'Your dad is so-and-so!' But I asked her recently, 'Do you like the football games?' And she's like, 'I really like going to the concession stands.' (Laughs) I know she also doesn't like to sit still for a long time watching things. So when she's at a game, she's talking about eating churros, watching the cheerleaders. I don't think she's at that age yet where she's totally locked in or understands the magnitude of [the NFL]. … I did show her the SKOL Chant; we watched, like, two or three SKOL videos where everyone's clapping, and she thought that was pretty awesome. She's looking forward to that. And me too, honestly. I never really saw a full-stadium video of it. I do remember the clapping from when I was with Detroit, but being able to see [it big picture], how crazy it gets, that's pretty unique."

Q: Are you excited to play in U.S. Bank Stadium as the home team? I'm biased, but the atmosphere is awesome.

A: "Oh, it definitely is. Even though the South is known for great football, I do love up North, like, Midwest football. Fans and the culture are second to none. … The fans are gonna come, winning season, losing season, and as a player, you can really appreciate the people."

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