Levi Onwuzurike Explained

Levi Onwuzurike (born March 2, 1998) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Washington, and was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life

Onwuzurike grew up in Allen, Texas, and attended Allen High School. As a senior, he was named the District 6-6A Defensive MVP and The Dallas Morning News All-Area Defensive Player of the Year after finishing the year with 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks.^[1] Onwuzurike committed to play college football at Washington over offers from Baylor, Arizona State and Michigan.^[2]

College career

Onwuzurike redshirted his true freshman season.^[3] As a redshirt freshman, he recorded 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.^[4] Onwuzurike played in all 14 of the Huskies games with four starts in his redshirt sophomore season and finished the year with 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.^{[5] [6]} He was named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference as a redshirt junior after recording 45 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks with a blocked kick on special teams.^{[7] [8]} In September 2020, Onwuzurike announced he was opting out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and would prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.^[9]

Professional career

Onwuzurike was drafted 41st overall by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.^[10] He signed his four-year rookie contract on June 17, 2021, worth $8.14 million.^[11]

On September 10, 2022, Onwuzurike was placed on injured reserve with a back injury.^[12] During the Lions' bye week in week 6, Onwuzurike underwent season-ending back surgery.^[13]

Personal life

Onwuzurike's parents immigrated from Nigeria.^[14]

External links

• Detroit Lions bio
• Washington Huskies bio

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wixon . Matt . January 20, 2016 . Allen defensive end Levi Onwuzurike orally commits to Washington . November 14, 2020 . The Dallas Morning News.
2. Web site: Jude . Adam . January 20, 2016 . Washington Huskies get commitment from Texas defensive end Levi Onwuzurike . November 14, 2020 . The Seattle Times.
3. Web site: Jude . Adam . October 2, 2018 . Huskies' efforts to recruit Levi Onwuzurike out of Texas are starting to pay off . November 14, 2020 . The Spokesman-Review. Seattle Times.
4. Web site: Kirschman . Lauren . October 28, 2018 . UW's Levi Onwuzurike learns from Greg Gaines . November 14, 2020 . The News Tribune.
5. Web site: September 26, 2019 . DL Levi Onwuzurike an academic leader for UW . November 14, 2020 . The News Tribune.
6. Web site: October 30, 2019 . What a pair of blocked kicks say about athletic UW defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike . November 14, 2020 . The Seattle Times.
7. News: September 17, 2020 . Washington's Onwuzurike opts out, declares for NFL draft . November 14, 2020 . . Associated Press.
8. Web site: December 26, 2019 . UW Huskies DL Levi Onwuzurike, DB Elijah Molden will return for senior seasons . November 14, 2020 . The Seattle Times.
9. Web site: Bonagura . Kyle . September 17, 2020 . Washington Huskies' Levi Onwuzurike declares for NFL draft . November 14, 2020 . ESPN.com.
10. Web site: Detroit Lions pick Levi Onwuzurike, DT from Washington, in Round 2 of 2021 NFL draft . Detroit Free Press . Dave . Birkett . April 30, 2021 . April 30, 2021.
11. Web site: Links . Zachary . 2021-06-17 . Lions Sign Levi Onwuzurike . 2024-07-04 . Pro Football Rumors . en-US.
12. Web site: Schlitt . Erik . 2022-09-10 . Lions place DL Levi Onwuzurike on injured reserve . 2024-06-04 . Pride Of Detroit . SB Nation . en.
13. Web site: Birkett . Dave . October 17, 2022 . Lions DT Levi Onwuzurike undergoes back surgery, out for season: 'It's a last resort' . 2024-10-17 . Detroit Free Press . en-US.
14. News: Lions close out Day 2 of draft with Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Detroit News. Justin. Rogers. April 30, 2021. December 5, 2021.