Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Cleveland Browns linebacker and former Pro Bowler, is unlikely to return to professional football following a severe neck injury sustained in October 2024. The injury has kept him off the field throughout the entire 2025 season, and according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, a league source confirms Owusu-Koramoah is doubtful to ever play again. His ongoing recovery has created uncertainty around his football future.
Details of Injury and Impact on Browns Roster
Owusu-Koramoah’s injury occurred during a violent collision with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry on October 27, 2024. The nature of the injury involved significant neck compression, forcing the linebacker to miss all matches last year to recuperate. As a result, he will not be available alongside standout rookie Carson Schwesinger or defensive star Myles Garrett, who recently set a new NFL sack record, for upcoming seasons. It remains unclear if Owusu-Koramoah will pursue any role within football if his playing days are officially over.
Professional and College Career Highlights
Drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft at No. 52 overall, Owusu-Koramoah quickly made his mark. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in his debut year. Over his time with Cleveland, he recorded 308 tackles, eight sacks, six forced fumbles, 17 pass deflections, and three interceptions, with a career-best 101 tackles in 2023.
Before entering the NFL, Owusu-Koramoah played four seasons at Notre Dame, appearing in 27 games. He notched 142 tackles, seven sacks, seven pass deflections, one interception, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and scored one defensive touchdown. His efforts earned him the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, the season Notre Dame competed in the ACC due to pandemic-related schedule changes.
Early Promise and Recruitment Background
Coming out of Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, Owusu-Koramoah was a highly sought-after prospect. Rated as a four-star recruit in the class of 2017, he was ranked No. 12 overall in the state, No. 38 among linebackers nationwide, and placed No. 351 prospect overall according to Rivals. These rankings reflected his early promise before his collegiate and professional success.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty Surrounds Future
The Browns and their fans now face an uneasy future without Owusu-Koramoah’s contributions on defense. His absence marks a significant loss given his proven playmaking ability and leadership on the field. As his rehabilitation continues, the football community watches closely to see if he will make any form of return, or transition to a new role outside active competition. His situation underscores the physical risks athletes face and highlights the unpredictability of professional sports careers.
“Owusu-Koramoah, who suffered a serious neck injury in a violent collision with Ravens running back Derrick Henry on Oct 27, 2024, is doubtful at best to ever make it back to the playing field, a league source tells cleveland.com,”
Mary Kay Cabot, Reporter
“The Browns’ second-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah sat out all of last season while recuperating from the injury, which involved a serious, visible compression of his neck.”
Mary Kay Cabot, Reporter
