Julian Okwara

Julian Okwara (born December 27, 1997) is an American football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Julian Okwara
No. 99 – Detroit Lions
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1997-12-27) December 27, 1997
London, England
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:252 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school:Ardrey Kell (Charlotte, North Carolina)
College:Notre Dame
NFL Draft:2020 / Round: 3 / Pick: 67
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career NFL statistics as of 2020
Total tackles:2
Sacks:0.0
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Okwara was born in London while his mother was visiting family, but raised in Nigeria. Okwara lived in Lagos and was raised in Lekki before moving to the United States when he was in the third grade. He attended Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football.[1]

College career

As a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2016, he played in 11 games, recording four tackles. As a sophomore in 2017, he played in 12 of 13 games, recording 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. As a junior in 2018, he started 12 of 13 games, finishing with 38 tackles and eight sacks.[2][3] Okwara returned to Notre Dame for his senior season in 2019.[4][5]

Professional career

The Detroit Lions selected Okwara in the third round with the 67th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.[6] On June 9, 2020, the Lions signed Okwara to a four-year contract.[7] He was placed on injured reserve on October 21, 2020, after suffering a right leg injury in Week 6.[8] On December 22, 2020, Okwara was activated off of injured reserve.[9]

Personal life

Okwara's older brother, Romeo Okwara, also played college football at Notre Dame and also currently plays in the NFL for the Detroit Lions.[10]

References
  1. Vorel, Mike. "2016 DE Julian Okwara follows brother to Notre Dame". Notre Dame Insider.
  2. Hough, Austin. "NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: 'Matured' Okwara leading Irish defensive line". Goshen News.
  3. "Notre Dame sack specialist Julian Okwara gets a boost from his mother's cooking". Indianapolis Star.
  4. Pope, LaMond. "Notre Dame defensive end Julian Okwara will return for his senior season". chicagotribune.com.
  5. James, Tyler. "Notre Dame DE Julian Okwara chased away doubts to put himself in line to chase down history". Notre Dame Insider.
  6. Monarrez, Carlos (April 24, 2020). "Detroit Lions select OLB Julian Okwara at No. 67 in Round 3 of 2020 NFL draft". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  7. Birkett, Dave (June 9, 2020). "Detroit Lions sign third-round pick Julian Okwara to 4-year deal". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  8. "Lions announce roster moves". DetroitLions.com. October 21, 2020.
  9. Schlitt, Erik (December 22, 2020). "Detroit Lions activate EDGE Julian Okwara from injured reserve". USAToday.com. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  10. "Time, talent and legacy help latest Okwara shine for Irish". Associated Press. November 9, 2018.


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