RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 20 | Innovate

FITNESS
Versatile, valuable and consistent are just a few words that teammates and coaches
use to describe clutch running back, Chris Ogbonnaya of the Cleveland Browns. A true
chameleon on the field, Chris plays receiver, running back and even special teams,
making him extremely knowledgeable on a variety of positions and strategy for each.
In his off season, Chris focuses time on giving back to the community. He
has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for many years and has plans to establish
his own foundation helping underprivileged kids. Chris can often be found speaking
to schools to motivate youth on the importance of staying in school and obtaining an
education.
Chris was selected to be a style ambassador for the athletic-inspired dress
shirt line, Mizzen + Main, and can often be found on the red carpet mixing styles to
perfect his overall unique look. A true sneakerhead, Chris’ shoe collection is always
expanding including the recent addition of a pair of customized Air Jordan 5’s with
featuring his jersey number, the vintage Brownie Elf, team logo and colors.
On the Field of
his Dreams with
NFL SuperStar
Chris Ogbonnaya
Join us as Chris takes a moment to share with us what give him his competitive edge
and the secrets to his success.
RAINE: What was your biggest obstacle reaching your sports career goals?
OGBONNAYA: The first time I ever got cut was in 2009. After flying collegiately - you
always were on scholarship. For the first time, there was not that job security.
After it happens a few times, you understand that this is a business and you have to
have a thick skin - as one door closes, another door opens. It humbles you and you
understand that it is a privilege to play and not a right.
RAINE: Did you have any childhood entrepreneurial pursuits? What was the earliest
experience?
OGBONNAYA: In high school, we use to do this thing called Spring Fling. We had to
sell booklets in exchange for rewards, i.e. a day off of school - you were responsible for
the sum of your group. The idea behind Spring Fling was to help the group understand
that in order to receive rewards, everyone needed to pull together and perform to reach
our goals.
RAINE: Tell us about your interest in helping under privileged youth?
OGBONNAYA: I have always understood that as an athlete and being in the spotlight,
you have to set an example to kids, families and what have you. I try to dedicate myself
to being shown in a positive light.
RAINE: What is one fitness fact that you would like to share with our readers?
OGBONNAYA: Run, run, run - that’s what I do. In order to be at your best, you need to
be at your ultimate shape - your conditioning has to be at its peak.
RAINE: What are 3 fun facts that you fans don’t know about you?
OGBONNAYA:
1. I Come from a big family - 2 brothers and 2 sisters - spread all over the place
2. Very competitive
3. I like fashion a lot
RAINE: What was your most surprising moment on the field?
OGBONNAYA: Being around great players. It humbles you when you are up against
other good players and they get the best of you. It is something you understand is
going to happen, but it pushes you to go further and try to get more plays than they do.
RAINE: What words of wisdom do you want to share with aspiring athletes?
OGBONNAYA: Don’t ever give up and always persevere. Keep in mind that it’s about
“discipline,” you have to constantly perfect your craft and continually re-invent yourself.
Have patience and always work hard to reach your goals.