Attaochu moved with his family to the United States at the age of eight in 2001,[1] where he attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. He had intended to continue playing soccer but instead decided to try football for Archbishop Carroll as recommended by the school's freshman football coach. He had 118 tackles and 14 sacks as a senior, while recording four touchdowns by blocking kicks or returning fumbles. He played three seasons of varsity football as a linebacker and defensive end, and served two years as team captain.
As a freshman, Attaochu played in all 12 games and started in the Independence Bowl. He finished the year with 23 tackles (18 solo tackles), 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and one quarterback hurry. In 2011, he played in 11 games and started 10 times, missing two games due to an injury. He led the team in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (6.0) and finished third in total tackles with 59, intercepted one pass, while breaking up two others and recovering a fumble, earning a conference honorable mention selection. In 2012, he played and started in 13 games. He registered 69 tackles, including 44 solo tackles, had 12 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had two sacks in the ACC Championship Game vs. Florida State. In 2013, as a senior, he played and started in all 13 games, recording 45 tackles, including 16 for loss, while adding 12.5 sacks, two pass break ups and one forced fumble, while earning himself All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and All-American honors.[4]
He finished his career as Georgia Tech's all-time leader in sacks with 31.5, surpassing Greg Gathers' 31 that he set between 1999 and 2002.[5][6]
Attaochu sat out drills at the 2014 NFL Combine due to a finger injury (medical exclusion). However, he was able to participate fully on his pro day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 and a 4.63, had a vertical jump of 37.5 inches, a 3-cone of 7.28, and a short shuttle of 4.64. His 10-yard split was 1.55.[10]
In 2016, Attaochu missed three games with a sprained ankle suffered in Week 6 and then suffering a broken foot in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2016.[13] He finished 2016 with eight tackles, two sacks, nine pressures and seven quarterback hits over eight games.
San Francisco 49ers
On March 15, 2018, Attaochu signed with the San Francisco 49ers.[14] He was released on September 1, 2018.[15]
New York Jets
On September 3, 2018, Attaochu signed with the New York Jets.[16] He played in 11 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2018.[17]
Kansas City Chiefs
On April 8, 2019, Attaochu signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.[18] He was released by the team on September 1, 2019.[19]
Denver Broncos
On October 1, 2019, Attaochu was signed by the Denver Broncos.[20]
In week 14 against the Houston Texans, Attaochu sacked Deshaun Watson twice and recovered a fumble lost by wide receiver Keke Coutee and gave the ball to teammate Kareem Jackson who returned the fumble for a 70 yard touchdown during the 38–24 win.[21]
On March 30, 2020, the Broncos re-signed Attaochu to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.[22]
Chicago Bears
Attaochu signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears on March 23, 2021.[23] He suffered a torn pec in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 13, 2021.[24] He was released on June 13, 2022.[25]
On October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Attaochu to their active roster.[28] He was released on November 26 and re-signed to the practice squad.[29] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 14, 2023.
