Romeo Okwara, a former Detroit Lions defensive end, is retiring from football.
“After some introspection and meditation, I have decided to step away from the NFL,” Okwara wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “For the better part of 18 years, football has been the most important part of my life, and I’ve had the opportunity to play professionally for eight of them. Four of those with my brother ♥️. I will always be grateful for the experiences, friendships, and camaraderie I’ve had with my teammates, coaches, and classmates. You guys mean the world to me, and I will continue to support you for the rest of our lives!”
Okwara, an unrestricted free agent, recorded two sacks in 16 games last season after missing the most of the 2021-22 season due to injury.
The 28-year-old led the Lions with eleven sacks in 2020, but tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth game of the 2021 season and had a second operation during his recovery.
He primarily served as a rotational pass rusher last season, when he had some of his greatest performances late in the season.
“I’m happy for that player,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said in January. “I believe he’s feeling considerably better after the injury. And, listen, everyone is different, and when they talk about the Achilles injury, it can take a year or a year and a half to really recover and get moving.”
Okwara made his NFL debut as an undrafted rookie with the New York Giants in 2016. The Lions claimed him off waivers two years later, and Okwara has spent the last six seasons in Detroit, where he played with his brother, Julian, in 2020-23.
He recorded 24 sacks in 70 games as a Lion.
“THANK YOU for giving this young kid a chance 6 years ago after coming into the league as a Free Agent,” Okwara wrote to the Lions on Instagram. “My heart is forever with you and the city of Detroit.
“I am excited for what’s next as I navigate this crazy transition away from the game.”
