Kalu played as a defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team for four years from 2014 to 2017. He appeared in a total of 46 games for Nebraska,[4] missing only three games as a senior due to injury.[5] He compiled seven interceptions and 215 tackles.[4] In 2017, Nebraska's coaching staff moved him from the cornerback to the safety position.[6][7] During his recruitment and playing career with Nebraska, he had six separate position coaches due to repeated staff turnover.[2]
On May 11, 2018, the Tennessee Titans signed Kalu as an undrafted free agent.[10] On August 12, 2018, Kalu was released by the Titans, but was re-signed eight days later.[11][12] He was waived on September 1, 2018 and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[13][14] He was promoted to the active roster on December 1, 2018.[15] Kalu mainly played on special teams and finished the season with 4 tackles.
Kalu prior to blocking a field goal in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs
On September 2, 2019, Kalu was placed on injured reserve.[16] He was designated for return from injured reserve on October 30, 2019, and began practicing with the team again.[17] He was added to the 53-man roster on November 2, 2019.[18] On November 10, 2019, in Week 10, Kalu blocked a game-tying field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 35-32 upset victory.[19] Kalu finished the 2019 regular season with six tackles and one pass defense.
Kalu finished the 2020 regular season with a career-high 16 tackles.
New York Giants
On March 30, 2021, Kalu signed a contract with the New York Giants.[20] In his first preseason game with the Giants, Kalu suffered a torn pectoral muscle and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.[21]
Tennessee Titans (second stint)
On July 23, 2022, Kalu signed with the Titans.[22] In Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kalu intercepted Justin Herbert for his first career interception. Herbert's pass was first caught by Roger McCreary, who tossed the ball to Kalu before he fell out of bounds.[23]
Washington Commanders (first stint)
On August 8, 2023, Kalu signed with the Washington Commanders.[24] On August 28, he was released as part of final roster cuts before the start of 2023 season.[25]
Miami Dolphins
On August 30, 2023, Kalu signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad.[26] He was released on September 19.
Washington Commanders (second stint)
On October 10, 2023, the Commanders signed Kalu to their practice squad.[27] He became a free agent when his practice squad contract expired after the season.[28]
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