Finding the Finish Line with Daniel Imatorbhebhe

By Jared Rosenthal

In order to conduct an enjoyable and fulfilling life, we all require help from one and other. The idea of receiving help is especially crucial in sports as Daniel Imatorbhebhe, redshirt senior tight end at the University of Southern California, explained.

“Football is the ultimate team sport. If you’re a receiver, you’re not going to do well if you don’t have the offensive line to assist you.”

Imatorbhebhe visited USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism wearing a pair of black Air Jordan 1’s, red athletic shorts, and a thick USC football sweatshirt. When the 6’3, 240 pound athlete entered the room, he decided to stand for the entirety of the interview instead of sitting on a cushioned, spinny chair — every student’s favorite. Though he may be perceived as a typical jock at first glance, his humility and kindness emanated throughout the room.

The visit was arranged in order for high school students to have a discussion with an NCAA athlete and comprehend the transition from being a student athlete to a productive member in society — whether it be playing a professional sport or working a critical job for the world (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc).

Daniel Imatorbhebhe grew up in Suwanee, Georgia and graduated high school early, ultimately joining the Florida Gators’ football team. Missing his senior year was difficult for Imatorbhebhe, he claimed.

“Going to prom, being with your people one last time, and just being a senior — you’re ultimately on top of the world.”

Though attending the University of Florida was a terrific learning experience, USC had been Imatorbhebhe’s dream school since he was 15. A primary reason why Daniel was unable to attend USC to begin his college career was that due to the Reggie Bush sanctions placed upon USC, acquiring a scholarship from the university was extremely challenging. With finances in mind, Imatorbhebhe chose the University of Florida but eventually received the call to transfer to USC with his expenses covered.

Through the inspirational conversation with one of USC’s most down-to-earth athletes, Imatorbhebhe explained the baggage that came along with his last name.

“I’ve heard ‘I’m not your baby’ or ‘I’m a booty.’”

A name is something that hangs around people for lifetimes, and it was clear that Daniel understood the power of standing out. He went on to compare his unique last name with athletes such as Giannis, and how eventually society learns those complicated names because greatness receives recognition.

From an academic standpoint, Imatorbhebhe will be graduating from the Marshall School of Business this fall. A main point of emphasis was that Imatorbhebhe genuinely enjoys assisting people on national and global scales, therefore he plans to immerse himself in social entrepreneurship — solving macro issues such as the integration of jail members into society.

In a similar manner, Imatorbhebhe’s humanitarian efforts have been influential in how he perceives the world. To elaborate, after attending a Black Panther screening at an orphanage, there were extra boxes of food so he went to poverty-stricken areas in the city of Los Angeles and passed out the food to the homeless. Though it was a satisfying feeling, Imatorbhebhe noticed one thing.

“We helped so many people, yet there were still a ton left that were starving.”

Being a student athlete is a hard task because this small group of students is trying to satisfy multiple groups of people in different realms of society, while also maintaining personal mental and physical health. Also, after a long and stressful day, student athletes, just like “NARP’s” (non-athletic regular people), enjoy relaxing; this time for relaxation is limited due to the late return times that these student athletes have as well as their limited free time that they have throughout the day.

“We are low-key slaves.”

Daniel understands how although he has a little bit of bias because he is a student athlete himself — given the facts, outlines, and schedules that student athletes must follow — it is apparent that these students should receive some sort of monetary compensation.

One instance that stands out in Imatorbhebhe’s brain happened when his friend and former teammate, Ronald Jones, had no food at home yet his jersey was being sold in the bookstore for 125 dollars and Jones would not earn a penny from a single purchase of his jersey.

Daniel Imatorbhebhe reasoned that he is not training for the NFL combine at the moment; he is creating opportunities for himself on and off the field while maintaining his faith. Though he does admire Jordan Reed and Travis Kelce, he is not trying to “be like them”, but rather reach his personal goals in his own fashion. With Imatorbhebhe’s awareness for the future, he is able to see the bigger picture and value his experiences because as he explained, “you’re next rep could be your last rep.”