Former Oregon football standout offensive lineman Penei Sewell is making waves with the Detroit Lions, securing the title of the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL while anchoring one of the league’s most formidable offensive lines. As the Detroit team captain, Sewell has only allowed three sacks over the past two seasons.
Sewell’s response to the substantial contract and Detroit’s commitment revolves around the impact he aims to have on his two children, 15-month-old son Malakai and newborn daughter Mila. “Just being able to share that with Malakai and my baby girl… showing them a dream,” Sewell expressed.
The best!! https://t.co/LXuQBtI4Aa
— Jackson Powers-Johnson (@BigJax58) April 24, 2024
“It doesn’t have to be this one right here; just showing them that a dream is possible and you are literally capable of doing anything you set your mind to, and I hope I’m an example of that. I try to do that every day.”
Sewell’s new four-year, $112 million extension includes $85 million guaranteed and extends his tenure as a Lion through the 2029 NFL season with a fifth-year option. With Sewell as the right tackle, the Lions clinched the NFC North Division Title in 2023 and are poised to repeat the feat.
“We need it all,” Sewell remarked. “That’s our goal, to host that trophy at the end of the day and just to win. All those individual accolades don’t mean anything. I want the big boy, and I want it now.”
Selected seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell holds the distinction of being the highest-drafted offensive lineman in Oregon football history and the second-highest offensive lineman ever drafted by the Lions.
Sewell’s illustrious legacy at Oregon includes being a unanimous First-Team All-American and the first Polynesian and Duck to secure the Outland Trophy. Notably, he allowed just one sack over 1,376 snaps during his two seasons with the Ducks.
His commitment to inspiring and motivating others has resonated with former Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, who congratulated Sewell on social media upon signing the contract.
