Beyond February: Nakas Onyeka
By: Ron VanMoerkerke
Nakas Onyeka left an indelible mark during his playing days at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he arrived in 2013. Known for his robust energy and tenacity on the field, Nakas quickly made a name for himself. In 2015, he earned a second-team OUA All-Star.
The pinnacle of Nakas' university football career came in 2016 when he was recognized as the top defensive player in the OUA conference and contributed significantly to the Yates Cup championship team. His stellar performance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection in the 2017 CFL draft by the Toronto Argonauts.
Nakas continued to enjoy success as he was a member of the Toronto Argonauts when the team won the 105th Grey Cup.Â
Beyond his contributions on the field, Nakas demonstrated a keen entrepreneurial spirit during the off-season. In a bold move, he founded a sports betting platform called "Bettor" which provided users with advanced analytics and a social platform for engaging with fellow enthusiasts.
Upon retiring from the CFL in 2022, Nakas transitioned seamlessly into the business side of the sports industry. He assumed the role of Senior Marketing, Branding, and Promotions at @BetMGM. One of Nakas' notable achievements in this role was orchestrating a promotional event featuring NBA legend Kevin Garnett in a live podcast collaboration with Showtime, HBO, and Sportsnet.Â