Trevor Nowaske Bio
Trevor Nowaske (born November 7, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 108 kilograms, he plays a physical, downhill style of defense that has earned him a steady role on special teams and in sub-package situations. He played college football for the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals before entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Across his first two professional seasons, Nowaske has spent time with both the Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions, building his reputation through hard work on practice squads and reserve units.
Early Life and Background
Trevor Nowaske was born on November 7, 1998, in Canton, Michigan. He grew up in the same community where he would later attend high school, developing an early interest in team sports. His physical build and athletic frame, even as a young athlete, suggested a future in contact sports.
Nowaske attended Salem High School in Canton, Michigan, where he played football and developed the fundamentals that would carry him to the next level. The suburban Michigan high school program gave him exposure to competitive football and allowed him to refine his skills at the linebacker position. His high school performances drew attention from college scouts, and he continued his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Salem High School, Nowaske committed to Saginaw Valley State University, where he played for the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals. Competing at the NCAA Division II level, he faced consistent offensive talent week after week, which allowed him to sharpen his tackling, coverage, and run-defense techniques. His development at Saginaw Valley State positioned him as a prospect capable of competing for a professional roster spot despite playing at a non-Football Bowl Subdivision program.
Following his college career, Nowaske declared for the 2023 NFL Draft process. Though he was not selected in the draft, his size, production, and versatility at the linebacker position attracted professional interest. On May 12, 2023, the Detroit Lions signed him to a three-year, $2.695 million contract as an undrafted free agent, giving him the opportunity to begin his NFL journey.
Trevor Nowaske Career
Early Career (2023)
Nowaske began his professional career with the Detroit Lions in 2023 after signing as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason but was waived on August 29, 2023. Rather than ending his time with the organization, he was quickly re-signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad, where he continued to develop and prepare for an opportunity at the NFL level.
On November 2, 2023, Nowaske was signed to the active roster, marking his first official appearance on an NFL game-day roster. His time on the active roster was brief, as he was waived on December 28, 2023. The next day, on December 29, 2023, Nowaske was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals, beginning a new chapter of his early professional journey.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–2024)
Nowaske joined the Arizona Cardinals at the close of the 2023 season and remained with the organization through the following offseason. During his time in Arizona, he continued to build his professional resume and gain experience within a new defensive system. His stint with the Cardinals allowed him to learn from a different coaching staff and adjust to the standards of another NFL franchise.
Nowaske was waived by the Arizona Cardinals on August 27, 2024, as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season. Although his time in Arizona did not result in a long-term roster spot, the experience added to his professional growth and prepared him for his next opportunity back in Detroit.
Detroit Lions Era (2024–Present)
Just one day after being waived by the Arizona Cardinals, Nowaske was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on August 28, 2024, returning to the organization that had originally signed him. His second stint with the Lions provided a clearer path to defensive snaps. On October 27, 2024, against the Tennessee Titans, Nowaske recorded an interception off of quarterback Mason Rudolph, marking one of the most memorable moments of his young career and showcasing his ability to read passing plays.
In March 2025, Nowaske re-signed with the Detroit Lions, securing his place on the roster for the upcoming season. His continued presence on the team reflects the organization’s confidence in his development and his value in defensive packages. As he continues to grow within the Lions system, Nowaske remains focused on expanding his role and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a linebacker, Nowaske brings a physical, downhill presence to the defensive front. His size and strength at 6 feet 3 inches and 108 kilograms allow him to engage blockers at the line of scrimmage and pursue ball carriers with authority. He has also demonstrated the coverage instincts needed to make plays on the football, evidenced by his interception against the Tennessee Titans.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Nowaske’s career came on October 27, 2024, when he recorded his first NFL interception against the Tennessee Titans, picking off a pass from Mason Rudolph. He has also experienced the typical journey of an undrafted free agent, transitioning between active rosters and practice squads across multiple organizations, and returning to Detroit as a re-signed member of the Lions in March 2025.
Trevor Nowaske Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Trevor Nowaske’s family background is limited. He was raised in Canton, Michigan, the same community where he attended Salem High School. Beyond these details, further information about his parents and siblings is not widely available.
Personal Life
Trevor Nowaske keeps his personal life largely private and is not publicly known to be married. He continues to focus on his professional football career with the Detroit Lions. Details about his long-term residence and family life outside of football remain undisclosed in publicly available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Trevor Nowaske enters the 2025 NFL season having re-signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2025. His return to Detroit signals the organization’s belief in his continued development and his value within the linebacker group. As the Lions prepare for the new season, Nowaske will look to build on the momentum created by his interception against the Tennessee Titans in late 2024.
Throughout the 2025 season, Nowaske is expected to contribute on special teams and in defensive sub-packages, with opportunities to earn a larger defensive role as he gains more experience. His familiarity with the Lions’ defensive system from his first stint with the team should help him transition smoothly into the new campaign. Coaches will likely look for him to maintain his physical style of play while continuing to refine his coverage responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season offers Nowaske a chance to establish himself as a dependable piece of the Detroit Lions roster. With consistent performance and continued improvement, he has the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role within the team’s defensive plans. His journey from undrafted free agent to a re-signed contributor reflects his perseverance and dedication to professional football.