Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Bio
Jeremiah Ernest Owusu-Koramoah Yaw is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Born on November 4, 1999, in Hampton, Virginia, he emerged as one of the most decorated collegiate defenders before the Browns selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Owusu-Koramoah has established himself as a dynamic playmaker, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and accumulating over 300 career tackles through his first four professional seasons.
Early Life and Background
Owusu-Koramoah grew up in Hampton, Virginia, where he attended Bethel High School. He is of Ghanaian descent through his father Andrew, who met his wife Beverly in England before the family relocated to Virginia in 1998. His heritage has remained central to his identity throughout his career, as he frequently celebrates his Ghanaian roots through elaborate traditional clothing and patterns.
Despite his eventual success, Owusu-Koramoah was not heavily recruited coming out of high school. He received a three-star prospect rating and initially committed to play college football at the University of Virginia in 2016. However, he later decommitted from Virginia and chose to continue his football career at the University of Notre Dame.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah faced early setbacks that tested his resolve. He spent his freshman season on the Fighting Irish’s scout team and did not appear in any games. His sophomore year was derailed by a foot injury sustained during practice after playing in just the first two games of the season. These challenges forced him to develop patience and resilience while honing his craft behind veteran players.
The 2019 season marked a turning point in his collegiate career. Named a starter going into his junior year, Owusu-Koramoah recorded 80 tackles, a team-leading 13.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He also contributed four passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, showcasing the versatility that would define his professional game. His breakthrough performance set the stage for a historic senior season.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Career
Rookie Season (2021)
The Cleveland Browns selected Owusu-Koramoah in the second round with the 52nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract worth $6.5 million on June 6, 2021. Before stepping onto the field for regular-season action, he was placed on the team’s COVID-19 reserve list at the start of training camp. He was activated on August 3, joining his new teammates for the first time in an official capacity.
Owusu-Koramoah made his presence felt immediately in the NFL. He recorded his first career sack in Week 3 of the 2021 season, bringing down Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. However, his rookie year was interrupted by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve on October 19 with an ankle injury, activated less than a month later, then returned to injured reserve on December 13 after suffering a foot injury in Week 14. Despite these obstacles, he earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors for his performance during the 2021 campaign.
Breakthrough Seasons (2022–2023)
Owusu-Koramoah emerged as a cornerstone of the Browns defense in his second professional season. He demonstrated the instincts, speed, and physicality that made him a top collegiate defender. His ability to read plays and close on ball carriers set him apart as one of the league’s most promising young linebackers. The consistency he developed across the 2022 season positioned him for a standout 2023 campaign.
The 2023 season represented the pinnacle of Owusu-Koramoah’s young career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl, recognizing his exceptional performance throughout the year. His combination of tackling ability, pass-rush skills, and coverage instincts made him a complete defender at the linebacker position. This honor solidified his status as one of the premier defenders in the NFL and validated the Browns’ investment in him as a second-round pick.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024–Present)
On August 14, 2024, Owusu-Koramoah and the Browns agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, reflecting the organization’s belief in his long-term value to the franchise. The deal made him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league and underscored his transition from promising prospect to established star.
However, the 2024 season took a dramatic turn. Owusu-Koramoah suffered a neck injury in Week 8 of the 2024 season. On May 12, 2025, the Browns placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list due to this injury, making him ineligible to play for the entire 2025 NFL season. Reports during the 2026 offseason indicated that he may never play in an NFL game again. On May 8, 2026, Owusu-Koramoah was once again placed on the reserve/PUP list, continuing his recovery from the serious neck injury.
Playing Style and Strengths
Owusu-Koramoah plays with a rare combination of speed, instincts, and physicality that allows him to thrive in multiple defensive roles. His ability to blitz the quarterback, cover receivers in space, and stop the run makes him a versatile asset for any defense. He demonstrates exceptional closing speed and can diagnose plays quickly, allowing him to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. His football IQ enables him to read quarterback intentions and react accordingly in coverage situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Owusu-Koramoah has accumulated several memorable moments. His first career sack against Justin Fields in 2021 announced his arrival in the NFL. The Butkus Award in 2020 recognized him as the nation’s top linebacker in college, while his 2023 Pro Bowl selection validated his transition to professional football. The $39 million contract extension represented both a financial milestone and a testament to his impact on the Browns defense.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Career Statistics
Owusu-Koramoah has compiled impressive statistics through his first four NFL seasons. His career totals reflect his consistency and ability to make plays in various facets of the game. Despite the injuries that have plagued his career, his statistical output demonstrates his impact when on the field.
NFL Career Highlights
In his NFL career through the 2024 season, Owusu-Koramoah has recorded 308 total tackles, 8 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 17 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions. His Pro Bowl selection in 2023 came during a season where he was among the league leaders in several defensive categories. His ability to create turnovers, evidenced by his six forced fumbles, showcases his disruptive nature as a defender.
College Career Statistics
During his collegiate career at Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah showed steady improvement before his standout senior season. His junior year statistics of 80 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks demonstrated his potential as an every-down linebacker. His senior season in 2020, during which he won the Butkus Award and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, cemented his status as a top NFL prospect.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Family
Family Background and Heritage
Owusu-Koramoah’s family background reflects a rich Ghanaian heritage through his father Andrew. His parents met in England before moving to Virginia in 1998, where he was born and raised. He maintains strong connections to Ghana and has made efforts to give back to his ancestral homeland. In 2022, he organized a youth football camp in Ghana, helping to develop the next generation of football players in the country.
Personal Life
Owusu-Koramoah is known for his distinctive fashion choices, frequently wearing elaborate clothing featuring traditional patterns and materials in celebration of his Ghanaian heritage. On January 25, 2024, he converted to Islam. His older brother, Joshua Emmanuel Owusu-Koramoah, passed away tragically in April 2022 under circumstances that remain part of his personal journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks a significant chapter in Owusu-Koramoah’s career as he works to recover from a serious neck injury sustained during the 2024 campaign. Placed on the reserve/PUP list in May 2025, he was ineligible to participate in any on-field activities throughout the season. This medical setback represents the most significant challenge of his football career, following a Pro Bowl campaign just two seasons prior.
Despite his absence from the playing field, Owusu-Koramoah remains a central figure in the Browns organization. The $39 million extension he signed in August 2024 reflects the team’s long-term commitment to him as a player and leader. The franchise has expressed continued support for his recovery process, understanding the importance of allowing adequate time for his return to full health.
The outlook for Owusu-Koramoah’s football career remains uncertain following reports during the 2026 offseason suggesting he may never play again. However, his resilience in overcoming adversity throughout his career, from early collegiate injuries to his impressive professional achievements, provides a foundation of optimism. The Browns’ continued investment in him demonstrates their belief in his potential to overcome this latest obstacle and potentially return to the field in the future.