Detroit Lions Defensive End Romeo Okwara, 28, announced his retirement from the National Football League on Tuesday night. Part of Okwara’s retirement announcement said:
“After some introspection and meditation I have decided to step away from the NFL. The game of football has been the largest part of my life for the greater of 18 years, 8 of which I have been fortunate enough to play at the professional level…My heart is forever with you and the city of Detroit.”
Okwara had nine tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble in 2023 with the Detroit Lions.
Romeo Okwara Career Summary
#Lions DE Romeo Okwara announces he’s stepping away from the game of football ?? pic.twitter.com/1kU95KllSO
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 19, 2024
Okwara went undrafted out of Notre Dame and began his NFL career in 2016 with the New York Giants. He spent the first two years of his career with “Big Blue” before spending the last six years with the Detroit Lions.
The best year of Okwara’s career was in 2020 when he had 44 tackles, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Okwara led the Detroit defense in sacks twice during his time in the “Motor City.” In 2020 and in 2017 when he mustered 7.5 sacks.
Okwara tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth game of the 2021 season and underwent a second surgery during the rehab process. He returned late in the 2022 season but was unable to regain his pre-injury form. He had 23 total tackles over his final three NFL seasons.
Okwara played 16 games last season but was unable to make a serious impact. He was nothing more than a part-time player for the NFC runner-ups in 2023.
Okwara saw a promising career derailed by injury. This is a story countless professional athletes know far too well.
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