Levi Onwuzurike

Levi Onwuzurike's Biography

Levi Onwuzurike, an American professional football player, was born on March 2, 1998. He is recognized for his exceptional position as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, a team part of the well-renowned National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL started with his collegiate football career at Washington, leading to his selection by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Hailing from Allen, Texas, Onwuzurike’s early life was largely centered around football. He attended Allen High School, where his budding talents began to truly shine. His skills on the field did not go unnoticed; his senior year culminated in him being recognized as the District 6-6A Defensive MVP, and furthermore as The Dallas Morning News All-Area Defensive Player of the Year. His remarkable performances of the year included 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Onwuzurike’s merits on the field attracted several colleges, including Baylor, Arizona State, and Michigan. However, he chose to commit to Washington, marking a significant milestone in his football career. His debut season there was initiated by a redshirt, preserving his eligibility. The following season, as a redshirt freshman, he fortified his reputation as a formidable player with 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks under his belt.

The redshirt sophomore season saw Onwuzurike appearing in all the 14 games for the Huskies, a testament to his durability and consistency. He even started in four of these games. Ending the season on a strong note, his statistic sheet reflected 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

It was during his redshirt junior season that Onwuzurike truly established himself as a standout player. He was honored with the first-team All-Pac-12 Conference title, following his exceptional record of 45 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and a blocked kick on special teams.

In a pivotal decision amid the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020, Onwuzurike preferred to opt out of the season. He chose to prioritize preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft, focusing on molding himself into a formidable draft pick.

His efforts bore fruit as Onwuzurike was drafted 41st overall by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The following summer, on June 17, 2021, he signed a lucrative four-year rookie contract worth $8.14 million, securing his position in the NFL.

However, Onwuzurike’s soaring ascent was interrupted when he suffered a back injury, culminating in his placement on injured reserve on September 10, 2022. The Lions’ bye week during week 6 saw him undergoing season-ending back surgery, a setback in his promising football career.

Away from the football field, Onwuzurike proudly acknowledges his heritage. His parents, immigrants from Nigeria, significantly shaped his background, instilling in him the determination and resilience evident in his football career. Today, as an NFL player, Onwuzurike is not only playing the sport he loves but also representing his family’s legacy and dream—an encapsulating journey of hard work, resilience, and determination.