Struggling Lions Veteran Refuses to Leave: ‘All I Need Is Detroit’

Detroit, MI – July 28, 2025

It’s the sort of crossroads every NFL veteran dreads—when critics call for your trade and the headlines focus on decline. But inside the Lions’ locker room, the fight is far from over.

The city has seen this story before: a player written off too soon, the loyalists in the stands refusing to give up hope. The spotlight now burns brightest on one defensive tackle facing his toughest test yet.

After a turbulent 2024 season, the former second-round pick endured just about every setback. Injuries lingered, performances dipped, and by the year’s end, he’d logged 600+ snaps, only 1.5 sacks, and a PFF grade of 58.3—outside the top-100 at his position.

But for Levi Onwuzurike, the narrative is different. “People say I need a fresh start somewhere else, but that’s not me. Detroit is home. I know exactly who I am, and Lions fans have seen every part of it. I’m not running — I’m staying to fight for this jersey, for this city, for this legacy. All I need is Detroit.”

That resilience has endeared him to fans across Detroit, who see more than a stat line or medical report. Many remember the back injuries that nearly ended his career before it ever started, and the torn ACL that erased his 2025 campaign before it began.

Analysts from SI.com say it’s time to move on, trade him for a late-round pick, and let new signings like Tyleik Williams and Javon Hargrave reshape the line. But the Lions faithful push back, hailing Onwuzurike as the ultimate underdog—a fighter, not a footnote.

For now, his status remains uncertain. The front office has extended a one-year deal, worth around $1.2 million, signaling a belief—however slim—that another comeback is possible. He won’t be suiting up this year, but the echoes of “One Pride” still reach him.

In a league obsessed with upside and replacement, sometimes the greatest value is grit. Detroit’s got plenty, and for Onwuzurike, that’s enough. The jersey still means everything.

Stay tuned to ESPN!