Julian Okwara facts for kids
| No. 58 – Arizona Cardinals | |||||||||||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | December 27, 1997 London, England |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Ardrey Kell (Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.) | ||||||||||||
| College: | Notre Dame (2016–2019) | ||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2020 / Round: 3 / Pick: 67 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024 | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
Julian Okwara, born on December 27, 1997, is a professional American football player. He plays as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Detroit Lions picked him in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.
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Early Life and Education
Julian Okwara was born in London, England, but grew up in Nigeria. He lived in cities like Lagos and Lekki. When he was in third grade, his family moved to the United States. He went to Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. After high school, he decided to play college football at the University of Notre Dame.
College Football Career
Julian played college football at Notre Dame from 2016 to 2019.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
In 2016, as a freshman, he played in 11 games and made four tackles. The next year, in 2017, he played in 12 games. He recorded 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks (tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage), and one interception (catching a pass meant for an opposing player).
Junior and Senior Years
As a junior in 2018, Julian started 12 games. He finished the season with 38 tackles and eight sacks. He returned to Notre Dame for his senior season in 2019.
Professional Football Career
Julian Okwara began his professional career in the NFL in 2020.
Detroit Lions (2020–2023)
The Detroit Lions chose Julian in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. He was the 67th player picked overall. On June 9, 2020, the Lions signed him to a four-year contract.
In October 2020, he was placed on injured reserve because of a leg injury. He was able to return to play in December of that year. In December 2022, he was again placed on injured reserve. The Lions later waived him in January 2024.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024)
Julian signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on February 14, 2024. He was released from the team in August of the same year.
Arizona Cardinals (2024–present)
On August 28, 2024, Julian Okwara joined the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. He was later moved to the active roster on September 11, 2024, and continues to play for the team.
Personal Life
Julian Okwara has an older brother named Romeo Okwara. Romeo also played college football at Notre Dame. He also played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, just like Julian.
