BRONCOS SIGN FREE-AGENT LINEBACKER AKIN AYODELE

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Monday signed free-agent linebacker Akin Ayodele, it was announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ayodele (pronounced AY-dell) is a ninth-year veteran who in eight NFL seasons has never missed a game—one of three starting linebackers in the league to play in every contest since 2002. For his career, he has played 128 games (104 starts), totaling 834 tackles (517 solo), 9.5 sacks (61 yds.), seven interceptions (68 yds.), 10 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries.

He spent the last two seasons with Miami after also playing for Dallas (2006-07) and Jacksonville (2002-05). He entered the NFL as a third-round draft choice (89th overall) of the Jaguars in 2002 from Purdue University.

In 2009, Ayodele started 15-of-16 games played for Miami, marking the seventh consecutive season he opened at least 11 contests. He placed third on the Dolphins and first among the club’s front seven with 70 tackles (60 solo) to go along with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

A first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection during his final year at Purdue, Ayodele posted 194 tackles, 29 sacks, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries while starting all 35 games played for the Boilermakers.

He earned all-district honors at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas, and was born on Sept. 17, 1979, in Dallas.