Julian Okwara Bio
Julian C. Okwara is a Nigerian-English professional American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Okwara is listed as jersey number 99 for the Browns.
Early Life and Background
Julian C. Okwara was born on December 27, 1997, in London, England, while his mother was visiting family. He was raised in Nigeria, where he lived in Lagos and grew up in the Lekki area of the city. Okwara moved to the United States with his family when he was in the third grade, settling in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He attended Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, where he developed into a four-star defensive end recruit. His Nigerian heritage and his family’s sporting influence helped shape his early interest in the game, and his commitment to Notre Dame marked him as one of the top defensive prospects in his class.
Path to American Football
Okwara joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2016 and quickly worked his way into the defensive rotation. As a true freshman, he appeared in 11 games and recorded four tackles, showing flashes of the edge-rushing ability that had made him a top recruit. The following year, as a sophomore in 2017, he played in 12 of 13 games and tallied 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.
His junior season in 2018 marked his most productive college year, as he started 12 of 13 games and finished with 38 tackles and eight sacks. He returned to Notre Dame for his senior campaign in 2019, continuing to develop as a pass rusher. After his final college season, Okwara declared for the 2020 NFL draft, where the Detroit Lions selected him in the third round with the 67th overall pick.
Julian Okwara Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
On June 9, 2020, the Detroit Lions signed Okwara to a four-year rookie contract. He began the season in a rotational role on the defensive line, but his rookie year was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on October 21, 2020, after suffering a right leg injury in Week 6. Okwara was activated off injured reserve on December 22, 2020, returning to the field late in the season.
Over the next two seasons in Detroit, Okwara continued to develop as a situational pass rusher and edge defender. He saw action in multiple games, contributing tackles and pressures while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. In December 2022, however, he was again placed on injured reserve, interrupting his progress.
Detroit Lions Years (2020–2023)
Okwara spent the first four years of his professional career with the Detroit Lions after being drafted in 2020. He contributed as a rotational defensive end, recording tackles, sacks, and pressures across multiple seasons. He was also used on special teams, helping the Lions’ coverage units during his active weeks.
On January 18, 2024, Okwara was waived by the Lions and re-signed to the team’s practice squad. He was not signed to a reserve or future contract after that season, which allowed his practice squad deal to expire and made him a free agent.
Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals (2024)
On February 14, 2024, Okwara signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining the team’s defensive depth chart as he looked to reboot his career. He spent the offseason program and parts of training camp with Philadelphia, but was released on August 26 as the team trimmed its roster.
Just two days later, on August 28, 2024, Okwara was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 11, 2024, giving him another opportunity to contribute as a defensive end at the NFL level.
Cleveland Browns Era (2025–Present)
On April 14, 2025, Okwara signed with the Cleveland Browns, beginning a new chapter with an AFC North club. He was released on August 26 as part of the league’s final roster cuts and re-signed to the Browns’ practice squad the following day. He returned to the active roster and continued to compete for a role in Cleveland’s defensive rotation.
On March 18, 2026, Okwara re-signed with the Browns, signaling the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute going forward. He remains on the team’s roster as an active defensive end wearing number 99.
Driving Style and Strengths
Okwara is a long, athletic defensive end whose 6-foot-4 frame and long arms make him well suited to setting the edge against the run and disrupting passing lanes. He uses his quick first step and length to challenge offensive tackles, and his experience across multiple defensive schemes with the Lions, Eagles, Cardinals, and Browns has made him a flexible piece for defensive coordinators.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Okwara’s career came when the Detroit Lions selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, validating his path from London to Lagos to Charlotte and on to Notre Dame. He has since built a professional resume that includes stops with four NFL franchises, an interception, and 10 career sacks, according to league statistics as of 2025.
Julian Okwara Career Wins
Through the 2025 season, Julian Okwara has recorded 10 sacks, 72 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 pass deflections, and 1 interception in his NFL career. His first NFL opportunity came with the Detroit Lions after he was drafted in 2020, and he has since added stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns.
Series and Team Highlights
Okwara’s most productive college season came in 2018 at Notre Dame, when he recorded 38 tackles and 8 sacks as a starting junior. He has been a steady rotational pass rusher at the NFL level, contributing sacks and pressures for the Lions, Cardinals, and Browns over the course of his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
Okwara’s senior year at Notre Dame in 2019, combined with his draft selection in 2020, stand as the foundation of his professional resume. His ability to remain active across multiple NFL franchises, including stops in Philadelphia and Arizona in 2024, highlights the durability and consistency he has brought to the defensive end position.
Julian Okwara Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Okwara’s older brother, Romeo Okwara, also played college football at Notre Dame and later played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. The two brothers shared an unusual journey that took them from London, where Julian was born, through Nigeria, where both were raised, and on to the United States, where they developed into top-tier football players.
Personal Life
Okwara is of Nigerian and English nationality, a dual heritage that reflects his birth in London and his upbringing in Lagos. He has continued to pursue his professional football career in the United States, where he is a member of the Cleveland Browns as of 2026.
2025 Season Performance
Okwara joined the Cleveland Browns in April 2025, signing a deal that positioned him for a rotational role on the defensive line. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26 and quickly re-signed to the practice squad the next day, allowing him to remain in Cleveland’s system throughout the season.
During the 2025 campaign, Okwara contributed as a pass-rushing defensive end, adding to his career totals of 10 sacks, 72 tackles, and 1 interception. His versatility as both an edge setter and interior rusher gave the Browns flexibility in their defensive sub-packages.
With Okwara re-signing with Cleveland on March 18, 2026, the Browns signaled that he remained part of their defensive plans. His continued presence on the active roster suggests he will compete for an expanded role in the team’s edge rotation going forward.
