Most players in the NFL have spent so long in football that they can find themselves always returning to the game in some form or fashion. Some former players will become agents, front office members, or analysts.
For some former players, being as close to the game as possible as a coach is what they find joy in after their playing days.
On Friday, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported coaching changes for the FIU football program and one staff member is a former Vikings first-round pick. Kenechi Udeze, who was drafted 20th overall by the Vikings in the 2004 NFL Draft, took the defensive line coaching position with FIU.
Udeze was with the Vikings from 2004 to 2008 and quickly joined the coaching ranks after his playing career ended. He has spent time at various schools such as Washington, Pittsburgh, LSU, and Vanderbilt.
He has also held positions with NFL teams like the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.