Romeo Okwara

Romeo Okwara's Biography

Romeo Chidozie Okwara’s journey to become a renowned defensive end in American football is a story of determination and skill. Born on June 17, 1995, in Nigeria, Okwara relocated to the United States at the tender age of 10. Already equipped with innate athletic talent and a fierce competitive spirit, it was in the U.S. where he began to explore his passion for football.

As he grew older, Okwara accepted an offer to play college football at Notre Dame, a prestigious school renowned for its robust sports program. It was during this time that he honed his skills and solidified his ambition to play in the National Football League (NFL).

Upon graduating from Notre Dame in 2016, Okwara defied expectations by signing with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 6. Despite not being selected in the annual NFL Draft, Okwara’s determination to succeed was unrivaled. On December 11, 2016, he made his first start, replacing Jason Pierre-Paul in a close 10-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. It was a testament to his abilities and the Giants’ trust in his skills.

However, his journey was not without its trials. On October 17, 2017, Okwara suffered a knee sprain that placed him on the injured reserve list. He was reactivated back to the active roster two months later, on December 19, 2017.

Unfortunately, after his recovery, Okwara was waived by the Giants on September 4, 2018. But, his career was far from over. The following day, he was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions. Not only did Okwara find a new home, but he also managed to make a significant impact on the team. During a game against the Green Bay Packers on October 7, 2018, Okwara strip-sacked the quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, leading to a fumble recovery. His outstanding performance, which included a team-leading 7.5 sacks that season, was rewarded with a two-year contract extension with the Lions signed on March 1, 2019.

In 2020, Okwara sustained a non-football-related injury that saw him placed on the active/non-football injury list at the start of training camp. He was reactivated on August 14, 2020 and went on to record notable performances in that season. Particularly noteworthy were his two sacks on Matt Ryan during Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, including a strip sack resulting in a recovery for the Lions, which contributed to a 23–22 win.

Throughout the 2020 season, Okwara consistently proved his mettle on the field. Despite a 46-25 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, Okwara recorded a sack on Ryan Tannehill in the end zone, earning a safety for his team. Remarkably, in a testament to his capabilities and leadership on the defensive line, Okwara matched his career’s total sacks that season, garnering a personal best of ten sacks. This accomplishment, plus his overall performance, led to another contract extension with the Lions on March 17, 2021, worth $39 million over three years.

However, his career took another unfortunate turn when, on October 5, 2021, he suffered an Achilles tear in Week 4, placing him back on the injured reserve. Okwara wasn’t able to return until the following season, on August 23, 2022, when he was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Despite his determination and eventual reactivation on December 3, Okwara decided to retire from the NFL in his prime, at the age of 28, on March 19, 2024.

Over his six seasons with the Detroit Lions, Okwara created an enviable legacy. Not only was he a formidable force on the football field, but he also created cherished memories by playing alongside his younger brother, Julian Okwara, during the last four seasons of his career. Like his elder brother, Julian also played college football at Notre Dame before joining the Detroit Lions, fulfilling their shared dream of playing in the NFL together.