Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara announced Tuesday that he’s stepping away from football after eight NFL seasons — including six with Detroit.

“After some introspection and meditation I have decided to step away from the NFL,” Okwara wrote on Instagram. “The game of football has been the largest part of my life for the greater (part) of 18 years, eight of which I have been fortunate enough to play at the professional level. Four of those with my brother.

“The experiences, friendships, and camaraderie I have been lucky enough to share with my teammates, coaches, and peers is something I will forever be grateful for. You all mean the world to me and I will continue to cheer you on for the rest of our lives!”

Okwara added: “My heart is forever with you and the city of Detroit. I am excited for what’s next as I navigate this crazy transition away from the game.”

Okwara, 28, played college football at Notre Dame and went undrafted in 2016, signing with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. That didn’t stop him from sticking around in the league and making a name for himself. He played in 22 games (four starts) across two seasons with the Giants before the Lions claimed him off waivers in 2018.

The following year, the Lions selected Okwara’s younger brother, Julian, in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2020, the elder Okwara recorded a career-high 10 sacks, and his performance earned him a three-year, $39 million contract extension the following offseason.

Okwara was viewed as Detroit’s best pass-rusher and a valuable piece to its defensive puzzle before suffering a ruptured Achilles in 2021. The injury limited him to nine total games during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and Okwara took a pay cut last offseason to remain with the team, where he served as a rotational edge rusher.

Despite his reduced playing time, Okwara had a role on a Lions team that won its division for the first time in 30 years, won a playoff game for the first time in 32 years and reached the NFC Championship game.

With a known passion for photography, Okwara brought his camera to Minneapolis on the day the Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings to clinch the NFC North and documented the moment for his teammates.

Romeo Okwara documenting the moment pic.twitter.com/QGF3K8cbVQ

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 24, 2023

A free agent this offseason, it was unclear what the future held for Okwara and the team, but Tuesday’s news marks the end of an era for one of the longest-tenured Lions. A man of many interests, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in a creative field now that he’s stepping away from football.

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(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA Today)