‘Grateful’ Okwara retires from NFL after 8 seasons

Last updated: 2024/03/20 at 11:46 AM

BigP Published March 20, 2024

Eric Woodyard, ESPNMar 19, 2024, 08:17 PM ET
Close

DETROIT — Romeo Okwara delivered some breaking news of his own on Tuesday night.

The veteran Detroit Lions defensive end used his Instagram account to announce that he’s retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.

“After some introspection and meditation I have decided to step away from the NFL,” Okwara wrote on the social media platform.

“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,” he added. “4 of those with my brother. The experiences, friendships, and camaraderie I have been lucky enough to share with my teammates, coaches, and peers is something I will forever be grateful for. You all mean the world to me and I will continue to cheer you on for the rest of our lives!”

Okwara, 28, appeared in 16 games for the Lions this past season, registering nine tackles, five QB hits and a pair of sacks as a reliable part of the rotation. He was set to become a free agent.

In 2016, he entered the league as an undrafted rookie free agent after being signed by the New York Giants, where he spent his first two seasons before being claimed off waivers by the Lions in 2018.

He led the Lions in sacks in 2018, with 7.5, which were the most in a player’s first season in team history after being claimed off waivers. He started in 32 games of his 92-game career, where he finished with 158 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and 58 quarterback hits.

His 23.0 career sacks also rank as the fourth most by an NFL player born in Nigeria.

“My heart is forever with you and the city of Detroit,” he added.