CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Cleveland Browns linebacker, is unlikely to return to the NFL after sustaining a severe neck injury during a collision with Ravens running back Derrick Henry on October 27, 2024. The injury has left his long-term playing status uncertain, a source advising cleveland.com revealed, casting doubt on the hopes Browns fans had of seeing Owusu-Koramoah team up with fellow standout linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
Owusu-Koramoah, a second-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 2021, was forced to sit out the entire previous season while recovering from this debilitating neck injury, which involved significant compression and required immediate medical intervention. He was immobilized on a board and transported to University Hospitals for close observation, fortunately retaining sensation in all limbs despite the seriousness of the trauma, which has since threatened his professional football career.
Owusu-Koramoah’s Message of Gratitude Amid Uncertainty
In May, when it was announced that Owusu-Koramoah would miss the entire 2025 season, he addressed his supporters with a heartfelt statement expressing thanks and uncertainty about his future on the field. He acknowledged the support from the Browns organization and the medical staff overseeing his recovery but remained uncertain about returning to play professionally.
“To the Cleveland Browns fanbase and my supporters worldwide—thank you for your patience in my silence,”
Owusu-Koramoah wrote. “From day one, you embraced me as more than a player, but also as a brother and young man with purpose. I’m grateful to the Browns organization for their full support, and to the world-class doctors guiding me through recovery. While I won’t suit up this season, I’m focused on what I can control — my healing, my mindset, and my faith. The body may rest, but the calling never sleeps. I’ve given my heart to this game. I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll continue trusting my medical team, serving the community, and backing my brothers on the field. Love always, JOK” — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, linebacker
Reflections on the Injury from Former Teammates
Owusu-Koramoah’s injury resonated deeply across the Browns’ football community. Former linebacker Jordan Hicks highlighted the sobering nature of such injuries, especially considering the personal stakes players face beyond the field.
“It was tough because we play this game because we love it,”
Hicks said. “We sacrifice our bodies for it and we understand the risks that are involved in it, but at the end of the day, you see something like that and it’s real life. I look at my life and I’ve got three kids and a wife at home and it’s like, ‘What if I were to come home like that?’ And so he’s got family that he loves, people that care about him more than just what he can do on the field. And so it puts things in perspective and you hope and pray that he’s going to make a miraculous recovery. And so, I don’t know, it’s just hard. It’s tough. But you rally around him and you rally around each other.” — Jordan Hicks, former Browns linebacker
Carson Schwesinger Emerges as Browns’ Defensive Cornerstone
As the Browns faced the loss of Owusu-Koramoah, they found hope in rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although his selection surprised many analysts, Schwesinger quickly demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, ending the season as a dominant force in the Browns’ defense.
General Manager Andrew Berry explained the rationale behind drafting Schwesinger so highly, emphasizing his strengths in coverage and his ability to contribute significantly on third downs—a pivotal role in the modern NFL defense.
“For us to maybe go outside of the norm (and draft a linebacker that high), we have to project them to be able to do something special or well above average in the passing game,”
Berry said. “And for Jeremiah, that was really his ability as a blitzer. He was a great run defender because he can make plays behind the line of scrimmage and everything, but he was really special – or is really special, I should say, as a blitzer. With Carson, his profile is maybe a little bit different in the fact that he’s shown himself to be a really strong coverage player. Whether man or zone, he very much, like Jeremiah, he’s very good in the run game, very instinctive, a surefire tackler. But when we look at that position and if we’re going to invest significant resources, it’s, ‘Hey, can this player contribute above and beyond on third down?’” — Andrew Berry, Browns General Manager
Schwesinger’s rookies stats were remarkable: he led all NFL rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while adding 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions, and three passes defensed. His performance earned him 40 out of 50 votes for AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, underscoring his impact as a young defender. His tackle numbers represented the highest by a Browns rookie since 1999, and his interceptions were the most by a Browns rookie since cornerback Denzel Ward’s three in 2018.
Coaches Praise Schwesinger’s Maturity and Impact
Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ defensive coordinator throughout Schwesinger’s rookie season, praised his toughness and maturity, noting that despite his youth, Schwesinger consistently executed his responsibilities effectively and led the defense.
“It’s really been an honor to coach that kid,”
Schwartz said. “He’s done everything – and he’s played extremely tough. He prepares the same, he goes out and plays effectively. And I think some of the plays that I think he’s played the best are plays that you guys might not notice, because he’ll take something away in the passing game or he’ll play perfectly in the run game and somebody else will make the play. And he’s been a good leader for us – he’s increased that as the season’s gone on, and I look forward to seeing him even take greater strides as a player. Really a cement block for our defense and I think defensive rookie of the year.” — Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator
Schwartz compared Schwesinger’s command of the defense to that of legendary Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, remarking on the leadership role Schwesinger assumed even as a rookie.
“I was with Ray Lewis his first three years in the NFL. Ray’s obviously a Hall of Famer, maybe the best ever to play in the linebacker position, but the command that Carson has now in a lot of respects took to Ray’s third year in the league,”
Schwartz said.
“It’s a very difficult position and he’s been right in the middle of it. It’s been fun to watch because not only does he do all that stuff well, but he (also) has great command. He’s a great leader for us. He’s our play caller.” — Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator
Owusu-Koramoah’s Influence on Schwesinger and Leadership Role
Carson Schwesinger frequently sought advice from Owusu-Koramoah during the injured linebacker’s visits to Browns headquarters last season, studying his film to adapt to the team’s defensive system.
“He’s definitely one of the ones that you want to emulate, and me specifically, especially coming into this system,”
Schwesinger explained during rookie minicamp.
“I plan to be able to pick his brain a lot and learn a lot from him. Whether it’s small details about certain things and the formations you’re getting and the common runs or passes you get out of that. Or it could be recovery habits, or what you do to keep your body or to get your body ready for practice.” — Carson Schwesinger, Browns rookie linebacker
Meanwhile, Owusu-Koramoah had established himself as a vital leader for the Browns, serving as the Dawg Pound captain and known for his intense preparation and on-field intelligence.
“Jeremiah went to making himself the every-down linebacker,”
said Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver.
“Having the headset, making the calls to saying, ‘Hey, whoever, Myles (Garrett), move over’ or whatever it is. He went to that point. And when players get to that point, it’s very exciting for a coach because there wasn’t anything that he can’t do and there wasn’t anything he can’t do athletically, of course, but he had taken himself, his preparation and his performance was just going like this,”
Tarver added defiantly, gesturing upward in reference to Owusu-Koramoah’s rising level of play.
“So anytime any player gets to that level, you’re going to miss that because he was playing at that high level, especially those last [few games] … It’s just the progression. All the things we talked about with the two things that I said every time I came up here, his body and then going play in and play out to make the next play the best play, he’s doing that. So, yeah, you’re going to miss that. But you also know in this business we need everybody and our guys in that room, we’ve taken it as a challenge and we’ve stepped up.” — Jason Tarver, Browns linebackers coach
Contract and Legacy: Owusu-Koramoah’s Status with Browns
Following his injury, Owusu-Koramoah secured a three-year contract extension in August 2024, valued at $12.5 million annually, including $20 million fully guaranteed at signing. His contract runs through 2027, with over $11 million guaranteed for the 2026 season. This extension reflects the Browns’ faith in his capabilities despite his uncertain status.
The Browns and their fanbase remain grateful that Owusu-Koramoah was able to walk away from the injury, underscoring the value they place on his health and well-being beyond football.
As Dawg Pound captain, Owusu-Koramoah left an indelible mark on the team and the community, symbolized by his passionate gesture smashing a guitar before the game against the Titans on December 7, 2025, demonstrating his fierce competitive spirit.
“Jeremiah went to making himself the every-down linebacker” — Jason Tarver, Browns linebackers coach
Outlook: The Browns’ Defensive Future Without Owusu-Koramoah
Despite the heartbreaking nature of Owusu-Koramoah’s injury and the likely end of his playing career, the Browns are building around the promising talent of Carson Schwesinger, whose rookie season signaled he is capable of leading the defense for years to come. While fans had hoped to witness the dynamic pairing of Schwesinger and Owusu-Koramoah, it appears that pairing will remain unrealized.
The Browns have responded to the adversity by rallying the defensive unit and focusing on developing new leaders, aligning with the team’s broader goal of competing at the highest level. Schwesinger’s emergence as a central figure in the defense provides optimism for Cleveland’s defensive future, sustaining the team’s competitive edge while honoring Owusu-Koramoah’s legacy.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah smashes the guitar as the Dawg Pound captain. #Browns #Titans pic.twitter.com/Mt9uK2DSvb
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 7, 2025
