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. Born in 1997, Okwara has built his career as an edge rusher across multiple NFL organizations since entering the league.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 249 pounds, Okwara combines length with the quick first step required to pressure NFL offensive tackles. He brings international roots and an extensive college pedigree to a defensive front that values pass-rush depth.
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, living in Lagos and growing up in the Lekki district before relocating to the United States during his third-grade year. The move gave him his first sustained exposure to American football and set the stage for his later development as a defensive lineman.
Okwara settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Ardrey Kell High School, where he developed into a four-star defensive end recruit. His combination of size, athleticism, and instincts drew attention from several college programs, and he ultimately committed to Notre Dame to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
Okwara’s path to American football began in earnest at Ardrey Kell, where he earned his four-star billing as one of the more promising defensive line recruits in his class. His selection of Notre Dame placed him in a program with a strong tradition of developing NFL defensive linemen and allowed him to compete against high-level competition from his first season.
After arriving in South Bend, Okwara wasted little time making an impression. He appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2016, recording four tackles while adjusting to the speed and physicality of major college football. By his sophomore season, he was a regular contributor, and by his junior year he had emerged as a starter and a disruptive pass rusher for the Fighting Irish.
Julian Okwara Career
College Career (2016–2019)
Okwara played in 11 games as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2016, finishing with four tackles as he learned the defensive system. As a sophomore in 2017, he played in 12 of 13 games, recording 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception that highlighted his playmaking ability.
In his junior season of 2018, Okwara started 12 of 13 games and produced 38 tackles and eight sacks, establishing himself as one of the premier edge rushers in college football. He returned to Notre Dame for his senior season in 2019, capping a four-year college career that positioned him as a clear NFL prospect.
Detroit Lions Era (2020–2023)
The Detroit Lions selected Okwara in the third round with the 67th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. On June 9, 2020, the Lions signed him to a four-year rookie contract, formally launching his professional career. He joined a defensive front that included his older brother, Romeo Okwara, making them one of the few sibling pairings on an NFL roster.
Okwara was placed on injured reserve on October 21, 2020, after suffering a right leg injury in Week 6, and was activated off injured reserve on December 22, 2020. He returned to the field in subsequent seasons but was placed on injured reserve again on December 3, 2022. The Lions waived Okwara on January 18, 2024, and re-signed him to the practice squad before his practice squad contract expired, leaving him as a free agent.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024)
On February 14, 2024, Okwara signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining an NFC contender looking to add pass-rush depth. His time in Philadelphia proved brief, as he was released on August 26, 2024, during final roster cuts.
Arizona Cardinals (2024)
Okwara joined the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on August 28, 2024, just two days after his release from Philadelphia. The Cardinals promoted him to the active roster on September 11, 2024, giving him another opportunity to contribute on an NFL defensive line.
Cleveland Browns Era (2025–Present)
On April 14, 2025, Okwara signed with the Cleveland Browns, beginning his next chapter as a veteran edge rusher. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts and was re-signed to the Browns practice squad the following day.
Driving Style and Strengths
Okwara is built for the defensive end position, using his 6-foot-4 frame, long arms, and quick first step to challenge offensive tackles off the edge. His college production, including eight sacks as a junior, reflected an ability to win with speed and leverage, traits he has carried into his professional career as a rotational pass rusher.
Notable Events and Milestones
Okwara’s selection as the 67th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft stands as his most significant milestone, validating his four-year development at Notre Dame. Sharing an NFL locker room with his brother Romeo in Detroit also marked a memorable chapter in his early professional life.
Julian Okwara Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Okwara’s older brother, Romeo Okwara, also played college football at Notre Dame and went on to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. The two shared time together on the Lions defensive line, continuing a family tradition in the sport at the highest level.
Personal Life
Born in London and raised in Nigeria before moving to the United States, Okwara maintains ties to both countries and identifies as Nigerian-English. He continues his professional career with the Cleveland Browns organization after stints with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Arizona Cardinals.
2025 Season Performance
Okwara entered the 2025 season as a member of the Cleveland Browns, signing with the team on April 14, 2025. The Browns added him as an experienced edge rusher to provide depth and rotational pass-rush help on their defensive front.
His initial stint with Cleveland ended on August 26, 2025, when he was released as part of final roster cuts. The Browns quickly re-signed him to their practice squad on August 27, 2025, keeping him within the organization and available for promotion as the regular season progressed.
Heading through the 2025 campaign, Okwara’s role will likely depend on health, defensive scheme, and opportunity along the Browns’ edge rotation. His familiarity with multiple defensive systems, drawn from his time in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Arizona, gives Cleveland flexibility as the team evaluates its pass-rush options across the season.