Penei Sewell

Penei Sewell's Biography

Penei Sewell, born October 9, 2000, in the American Samoan village of Malaeimi, is a professional football player best known as the offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). From the humble beginnings of playing football under the tutelage of his father and alongside his three brothers in Samoa, to achieving professional status and acclaim, this veritable powerhouse on the football field illustrates a testament of unyielding will and tremendous talent.

The naturally gifted young man started his football journey under the guidance of his father, Gabriel Sewell, who first introduced him and his brothers to the sport. Recognized as promising fledglings in football, Gabriel saw the potential of his sons to excel in the sport and make it to the NFL. Making a pivotal decision to encourage their prospects, the entire family relocated to St. George, Utah, in 2012. Upon moving, Sewell continued to refine and demonstrate his athletic abilities at Desert Hills High School where he played football.

Sewell’s robust commitment and exceptional skills led to him receiving recognition and numerous awards as a senior in high school. In 2018, he played in the US Army All-American and Polynesian Bowls, and committed to the University of Oregon, marking the start of his college football career with the Oregon Ducks.

His journey at Oregon was not without trials. As a freshman, he faced a challenge when he suffered a high ankle sprain that made him miss six games in 2018. However, displaying remarkable resilience, Sewell bounced back in 2019 to win the prestigious Morris Trophy and Outland Trophy. Additionally, he and former Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, were selected as co-recipients of the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award.

Despite the impressive run, the following year presented new obstacles. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sewell chose to forego his junior season in 2020. Yet, as an indomitable spirit, Sewell quickly pivoted towards the professional league and declared for the 2021 NFL draft.

Earning the position of one of the best overall prospects in the 2021 NFL draft, he was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Lions. No sooner had he initiation into professional football begun when he tested positive for COVID-19 in May 2021 and missed minicamp. The same month, he signed a four-year rookie contract, worth an impressive $24.1 million.

As a rookie, Sewell showed his mettle by appearing and starting in 16 games, only sitting out for the regular season finale. His relentless performance fetched him a place in the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2021. By 2022, he had become a regular, starting all 17 games in the season and earning an alternate spot in the Pro Bowl. The subsequent year marked his second Pro Bowl selection, his first first-team All-Pro, and a memorable run in the NFC Championship with the Lions.

Sewell’s professional career took a major leap forward on April 24, 2024, when he signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Lions, securing his position in the team until the 2029 season.

Aside from his personal achievements, football runs deep in the Sewell family. His brothers, Gabriel, Nephi, and Noah, are all professional football linebackers. Gabriel plays for the Houston Roughnecks, Nephi for the New Orleans Saints, and Noah for the Chicago Bears, highlighting the legacy and breadth of the Sewell family’s contribution to football. Such a lineage is perhaps no surprise as the brothers are nephews of former NFL players Isaac Sopoaga and Richard Brown.

Sewell’s story, from an enthusiastic child in a Samoan village to an esteemed professional in the NFL, is both illustrative and inspiring. It showcases the power of determination, talent, family support, and the love of football.