{
  "id": 7222950,
  "title": "Former Washington football star released by Detroit Lions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/former-washington-football-star-released-by-detroit-lions",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T02:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-washington-football-star-released-020034802.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Detroit Lions have released former Washington Huskies defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike after five seasons with the team. The 6-foot-3, 304-pound tackle was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. Throughout his time with the Lions, Onwuzurike faced numerous injuries, including a torn ACL in July 2025 and a back injury in 2022 that required surgery and kept him out of the entire season. Despite these setbacks, Onwuzurike made 42 appearances and started 10 games before signing a one-year $5.5 million contract to avoid free agency. Head coach Dan Campbell praised Onwuzurike's strong performance in training camp, noting his improved movement and power due to his history of ACL injuries. With 68 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3.5 pass breakups, and a forced fumble under his belt, Onwuzurike could potentially become a valuable rotational piece for an NFL team if he can prove his health.",
  "summary": "Former Washington Huskies star defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is searching for a new home in the NFL.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Washington Huskies defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike released by Detroit Lions.",
    "Onwuzurike faced multiple injuries during his five-season tenure with Lions.",
    "42 appearances and 10 starts despite injuries, now potential rotational piece for NFL team."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Levi Onwuzurike's release clears a roster spot for the Lions but also gives another NFL team a chance to acquire a potentially valuable defensive lineman if he can demonstrate his health.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}