DETROIT — Romeo Okwara delivered some breaking information of his personal on Tuesday night time.
The veteran Detroit Lions defensive finish used his Instagram account to announce that he is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.
“After some introspection and meditation I’ve determined to step away from the NFL,” Okwara wrote on the social media platform.
“The sport of soccer has been the biggest a part of my life for the larger of 18 years, 8 of which I’ve been lucky sufficient to play on the skilled stage,” he added. “4 of these with my brother. The experiences, friendships, and camaraderie I’ve been fortunate sufficient to share with my teammates, coaches, and friends is one thing I’ll endlessly be glad about. You all imply the world to me and I’ll proceed to cheer you on for the remainder of our lives!”
Okwara, 28, appeared in 16 video games for the Lions this previous season, registering 9 tackles, 5 QB hits and a pair of sacks as a dependable a part of the rotation. He was set to turn out to be a free agent.
In 2016, he entered the league as an undrafted rookie free agent after being signed by the New York Giants, the place he spent his first two seasons earlier than being claimed off waivers by the Lions in 2018.
He led the Lions in sacks in 2018, with 7.5, which had been essentially the most in a participant’s first season in group historical past after being claimed off waivers. He began in 32 video games of his 92-game profession, the place he completed with 158 complete tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and 58 quarterback hits.
His 23.0 profession sacks additionally rank because the fourth most by an NFL participant born in Nigeria.
“My coronary heart is endlessly with you and the town of Detroit,” he added.