Shawn Michael Oakman is a professional football defensive lineman who gained viral fame as a college football star before facing legal troubles that derailed his NFL dreams. The 6-foot-9 defensive end is known for his massive physical presence and his controversial journey through multiple professional leagues, including the XFL and CFL, where he won a Grey Cup championship with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022.
Quick Wiki/Bio About Shawn Oakman
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Shawn Michael Oakman |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | April 7, 1992 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of January 2026) |
| Place of birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Current residence | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Weight | 287 lbs (130 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Single |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | None |
| Alma mater | Penn Wood High School, Penn State University (2011), Baylor University (2013-2015) |
| Profession | Professional football player, defensive lineman |
| Net worth | $500,000 – $800,000 (estimated) |
Who is Shawn Oakman?
Shawn Oakman is a professional football defensive lineman who played college football at Baylor University and has competed in the XFL and Canadian Football League.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he became a viral internet sensation in 2015 when a photo showing his imposing physical stature went viral during the Cotton Bowl.
The image showed the 6-foot-9, 280-pound defensive end towering over opposing players during the coin toss.
His career has been marked by exceptional physical talent combined with numerous personal and legal challenges.
Oakman holds the distinction of being Baylor’s all-time sack leader and won a Grey Cup championship with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022.
How old is Shawn Oakman? Age and birthday
Shawn Oakman is 33 years old as of January 2026. He was born on April 7, 1992, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His zodiac sign is Aries.
Shawn Oakman’s height, weight, and measurements
Shawn Oakman stands at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall and weighs approximately 287 pounds (130 kg). His physical measurements from NFL Combine records include:
- Arm length: 35.75 inches
- Hand size: 10.68 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.96 seconds
- Bench press: 23 reps at 225 pounds
- Broad jump: 10 feet 3 inches
Oakman can bench press 400 pounds and squat 600 pounds, exceptional numbers considering the length of his arms and legs. His freakish size and athleticism made him one of the most physically gifted defensive linemen in college football history.
Early life and family background
Shawn Michael Oakman was born and raised in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, one of the roughest areas of the city plagued by drug dealing and violence.
He grew up facing difficult family circumstances and was eventually placed in a foster home with his brother.
His foster parents, Ken and Tracy Oakman, took him in when they learned the young athlete needed a stable home.
Ken Oakman was related to Shawn’s biological mother, Vernetta Oakman. The foster family provided the structure and support that helped him develop his athletic talents.
Oakman attended Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, where he excelled in both football and basketball. His exceptional size and athletic ability made him a highly sought-after recruit.
Career
High school and Penn State
Oakman was a standout defensive end at Penn Wood High School, earning All-Delco honors. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 270 pounds as a high school senior, he committed to Penn State University in July 2010.
At Penn State, Oakman was redshirted as a true freshman in 2011. His time with the Nittany Lions was short-lived.
In February 2012, Penn State announced that Oakman had been dismissed from the team for violating team rules. He was charged with theft and interference with a store clerk.
Baylor University breakthrough
After leaving Penn State, Oakman transferred to Baylor University in July 2012. He sat out the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules and became eligible to play in 2013.
At Baylor, Oakman transformed into one of college football’s most dominant defensive players. His career statistics with the Bears included:
- 128 total tackles
- 46.5 tackles for loss
- 17.5 sacks
- 7 passes defended
- 4 forced fumbles
His breakout 2014 season saw him record 11 sacks and four forced fumbles, earning him First-team All-Big 12 honors. He was projected by some analysts as a potential first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Oakman returned for his senior season in 2015, earning Second-team All-Big 12 recognition with 4.5 sacks and 24 tackles through six games. He graduated from Baylor in December 2015 with a degree in kinesiology.
Viral internet fame
On January 1, 2015, during the Cotton Bowl coin toss, a photo of Oakman standing next to Michigan State players went viral on social media.
The image showcased his enormous frame, making him look like a giant compared to his opponents. He became an internet meme overnight, with thousands of humorous photos and captions circulating online.
Legal troubles and undrafted status
On April 13, 2016, just weeks before the NFL Draft, Oakman was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a woman.
The allegation came during the height of the Baylor sexual assault scandal. The arrest made him “undraftable” according to NFL executives, and he went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.
In July 2016, Oakman was indicted by a grand jury on charges of sexual assault. The case dragged on for nearly three years, preventing him from pursuing his professional football career.
On February 28, 2019, a jury found Shawn Oakman not guilty of sexual assault after a three-day trial. The acquittal came too late to salvage his NFL prospects, as he had missed crucial years of development.
XFL and professional career
Following his acquittal, Oakman attempted to revive his professional football career. In January 2020, he signed with the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL. He played four games and recorded seven tackles before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the league.
Canadian Football League success
Oakman signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 2021. He made an immediate impact, recording 36 tackles and six sacks in his first season.
He was named a CFL All-Star in 2021 and an East Division All-Star three times (2021, 2022, 2025).
In 2022, Oakman won a Grey Cup championship with the Toronto Argonauts, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23. The championship was a redemptive moment in his turbulent career.
He spent three seasons with Toronto (2021-2023), playing 53 games and accumulating impressive statistics. In June 2024, the Argonauts released him.
Edmonton Elks
On July 7, 2024, Oakman signed with the Edmonton Elks. He played 14 regular season games, recording 32 defensive tackles and three sacks before becoming a free agent.
Montreal Alouettes and suspension
On February 11, 2025, Oakman signed with the Montreal Alouettes. He played 17 regular season games, recording 35 defensive tackles and six sacks while earning East Division All-Star honors.
On October 31, 2025, the Canadian Football League suspended Oakman indefinitely for violating its Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy.
The Montreal Alouettes immediately released him. According to reports, the investigation revealed he allegedly threatened to send explicit material to the child of a woman he was dating.
The suspension marked another devastating setback in Oakman’s professional career, cutting short what had been a successful CFL stint.
What is Shawn Oakman’s net worth?
As of January 2026, Shawn Oakman’s net worth is estimated at between $500,000 and $800,000. His earnings come primarily from his CFL career, where he played for five seasons with three different teams.
CFL salaries are lower than NFL contracts, with most players earning between $60,000 and $200,000 per season.
Oakman made close to the league minimum in his early seasons before earning higher salaries after his All-Star performances.
Had he been drafted into the NFL, Oakman’s net worth could have been substantially higher. First-round defensive ends typically sign rookie contracts worth $10-20 million. His legal troubles cost him millions in potential earnings.
Is Shawn Oakman married? Relationship status
Shawn Oakman is not married and has kept his personal life largely private. There is no public information about a wife or girlfriend. He does not have any children.
His 2016 sexual assault case involved a woman who testified they had a casual relationship, though the nature and extent of that relationship was disputed during the trial.
The woman claimed they were not dating, while the defense argued they had an exclusive relationship.
Following his acquittal, Oakman has maintained a low profile regarding his personal relationships.
Social media presence
Shawn Oakman is active on social media, maintaining accounts on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @iamoakman.
His Instagram account is set to private. He is also the founder of Open Obstacles, a platform focused on overcoming life challenges.
He uses his social media platforms to share motivational content and updates about his football career. Posts often reference his faith and his journey of redemption following his legal troubles.
Fast facts about Shawn Oakman
- Oakman became a viral internet meme in 2015 when a photo showed him towering over opponents during a coin toss at the Cotton Bowl.
- He grew up in Philadelphia’s dangerous Kensington neighborhood before being placed in a foster home.
- He was dismissed from Penn State in 2012 for theft charges before transferring to Baylor.
- Despite standing 6-foot-9, Oakman runs a 4.96-second 40-yard dash and has a 34-inch vertical jump.
- He holds Baylor University’s all-time record for career sacks with 17.5.
- Oakman was projected as a potential first-round NFL draft pick before his 2016 arrest.
- He won a Grey Cup championship with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022.
- He was named a CFL All-Star in 2021 and a three-time East Division All-Star.
- He can bench press 400 pounds and squat 600 pounds despite his extremely long limbs.
- His professional football career includes stops in the XFL and CFL across five different teams.
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Wrapping up
Shawn Oakman’s story is one of exceptional physical talent overshadowed by off-field controversies. Standing 6-foot-9 with rare athleticism, he had the potential to become an NFL star before legal troubles derailed his career.
His 2019 acquittal allowed him to pursue professional football in Canada, where he found success and won a championship. His 2025 suspension by the CFL has once again put his career in jeopardy, leaving his future uncertain.
References
- Wikipedia. “Shawn Oakman”.
- CFL.ca. “Montreal defensive tackle Shawn Oakman suspended indefinitely”.
- Fox News. “Shawn Oakman’s story: How top NFL prospect went from ‘undraftable’ to fighting to clear name to CFL champ”.
- The New York Times. “Former Baylor Football Player Is Acquitted in Rape Trial”.
- Bleacher Report. “Baylor’s Shawn Oakman: The Gigantic Man Behind the Meme”.
- Dallas News. “Baylor DE Shawn Oakman opens up on past struggles, NFL dreams”.
- Pro Football Reference. “Shawn Oakman Stats”.
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