USFL Awards 2022: Gamblers’ Chris Odom is Defensive Player of Year

Chris Odom was a menace to opposing quarterbacks all season long. Now, the Houston Gamblers defensive end has been rewarded for his efforts with the USFL’s inaugural Defensive Player of the Year award.

Other USFL 2022 awards: 

Offensive Player of the Year: Darius Victor, Generals

Coach of the Year: Mike Riley, Generals

Odom, a 27-year-old out of Arkansas State, was a driving force behind a vicious Gamblers defense that was tied for the league in interceptions (13), was first in forced fumbles (14) and second in sacks (26).

The 6-4, 260-pound Odom was a big reason for those numbers, as he led the USFL in both sacks (12.5) and forced fumbles (six) by wide margins. In fact, no other player had more than nine sacks or three forced fumbles on the season.