Chris Odom

Chris Odom (born September 16, 1994) is an American football defensive end for the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Arkansas State. Odom has also been a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Salt Lake Stallions, Washington Redskins, Calgary Stampeders, and Cleveland Browns. With the Houston Gamblers, he led the USFL in sacks and was named its Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Early years
Odom played high school football at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. He recorded 32 tackles his senior year, earning all-district honors as a defensive end. He also participated in the school's track and field program.

College career
Odom played for the Arkansas State Red Wolves from 2013 to 2016. He played in all 13 games in 2013, recording 8 solo tackles, 9 tackle assists and 3 sacks. He played in all 13 games, starting 3, in 2014, totaling 12 solo tackles, 2 tackle assists, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups and 1 blocked kick. Odom played in 11 games in 2015, recording 1 solo tackles, 2 tackle assists and 3 blocked kicks. His three blocked kicks were tied for the third most in school history for a single season. He played in all 13 games in 2016, totaling 28 solo tackles, 25 tackle assists, 12.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles and 1 blocked kick, earning First-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Odom participated in the College Gridiron Showcase in January 2017. His five career blocked kicks were the second most in school history. He majored in Sport Management at Arkansas State.

Pre-draft
Odom was rated the 41st best defensive end in the 2017 NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com.

Atlanta Falcons (first stint)
After going undrafted, Odom signed with the Atlanta Falcons on May 1, 2017. He was waived by the Falcons on September 2, 2017.

Green Bay Packers
Odom was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers on September 3, 2017.

On September 1, 2018, Odom was waived by the Packers.

Salt Lake Stallions
In late 2018, Odom joined the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). Odom recorded 7 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 2 pass knockdowns during his time in the AAF.

Atlanta Falcons (second stint)
On April 15, 2019, Odom signed a two-year contract with the Falcons. He was waived on August 31, 2019.

Washington Redskins
Odom signed with the Washington Redskins' practice squad on September 2, 2019. He was released on October 8, 2019. He was re-signed on November 20. He was promoted to the active roster on November 30, 2019. In week 13 against the Carolina Panthers, Odom sacked quarterback Kyle Allen twice, one of which was a strip sack which was recovered by teammate Nate Orchard late in the fourth quarter to seal a 29–21 win. Odom finished the season with 10 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in only 47 defensive snaps. He was released on February 14, 2020.

Calgary Stampeders
Odom signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League on February 2, 2021. Odom made the practice roster and did dress for three games for Calgary, but was ultimately released on November 29, 2021.

Houston Gamblers (first stint)
Odom was drafted by the Houston Gamblers by the United States Football League (USFL) in the second round (12th overall) of the 2022 USFL draft.

Cleveland Browns
Odom was signed by the Cleveland Browns on August 5, 2022. He was placed on injured reserve with a torn anterior cruciate ligament on August 29.

Houston Gamblers / Roughnecks (second stint)
On December 26, 2023, Odom re-signed with the Gamblers.

Odom and all other Gamblers players and coaches were all transferred to the Houston Roughnecks after it was announced that the Gamblers took on the identity of their XFL counterpart, the Roughnecks. He was named to the 2024 All-UFL team on June 5, 2024.

Personal life
Odom's father, Cliff, also played in the NFL and was drafted by the Browns in the 3rd round of the 1980 NFL Draft.