30 Facts About Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Early Life and Background

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's journey to the NFL is rooted in his early life and background. Let's explore the beginnings of this remarkable athlete.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 4, 1999, in Hampton, Virginia, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is of Ghanaian descent through his father, Andrew, who met his wife Beverly in England before moving to Virginia in 1998.

2. High School Career: He attended Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia. As a three-star recruit, he initially committed to the University of Virginia in 2016 but later chose Notre Dame.

College Football Career

Jeremiah's college years at Notre Dame were pivotal in shaping his football career. His performance on the field was nothing short of impressive.

3. Freshman Season: Owusu-Koramoah spent his freshman season on Notre Dame's scout team and did not appear in any games.

4. Sophomore Year Setback: In his sophomore year, he played in two games before breaking his foot in practice, forcing him to miss most of the season.

5. Junior Season (2019): He emerged as a star linebacker, starting all 13 games and tying for the team lead with 80 tackles. He also added 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

6. Senior Season (2020): His senior season was spectacular. He won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and was named a unanimous All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded 62 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one interception in 12 games.

College Honors and Awards

Jeremiah's college career was decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting his exceptional talent and hard work.

7. All-America First Team: He was named to the All-America First Team by the Associated Press, Walter Camp, Sporting News, FWAA, and Phil Steele.

8. PFWA All-Rookie Team: His impressive performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in the NFL.

Transition to the NFL

Jeremiah's transition from college football to the NFL marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

9. NFL Draft: Owusu-Koramoah was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $6.5 million on June 6, 2021.

10. Professional Career: In his rookie season, he played in 14 games, recording 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Despite injuries, he made a significant impact on the field and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Challenges and Triumphs

Jeremiah's professional career has seen its share of challenges, but his resilience and determination have always shone through.

11. Injury Issues: He faced several injuries throughout his career. In 2021, he was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and later suffered a foot injury in Week 14, which forced him to miss additional games.

12. Contract Extension: On August 14, 2024, Owusu-Koramoah and the Browns agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, solidifying his position as a key player for the team.

Personal Life and Heritage

Jeremiah's personal life and heritage play a significant role in shaping who he is both on and off the field.

13. Ghanaian Heritage: He is deeply rooted in his Ghanaian heritage. In 2022, he ran a football camp in Ghana for the youth, aiming to give back to his community.

14. Family Tragedy: His older brother, Joshua Emmanuel Owusu-Koramoah, tragically passed away in a house fire in April 2022. The case led to the arrest of Ronald Ivan Scott on charges of murder and arson.

15. Conversion to Islam: On January 25, 2024, Owusu-Koramoah announced his conversion to Islam, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Jeremiah's leadership qualities and community involvement highlight his commitment to making a positive impact beyond football.

16. Team Chemistry: He has consistently spoken about the importance of team chemistry, crediting the Browns' efforts to build a cohesive unit.

17. NFL Africa: The Touchdown: In an effort to grow football in Africa, Owusu-Koramoah participated in "NFL Africa: The Touchdown," his second trip to the continent.

18. Leadership and Mentorship: He emphasizes the value of teamwork and leadership in achieving success in football and beyond.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Jeremiah's career statistics and achievements reflect his prowess on the field and his contributions to the game.

19. Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2023 season, Owusu-Koramoah has played 41 games, recording 247 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and eight interceptions. He has also forced five fumbles and recovered four fumbles.

20. Pro Bowl Selection: He was selected to the Pro Bowl in recognition of his outstanding performance during the 2023 season.

21. First-Team AP All-Pro: Owusu-Koramoah was named to the First-Team AP All-Pro list for his exceptional play in the 2023 season.

22. Leadership in Tackles: In 2023, he recorded 101 tackles, demonstrating his ability to make a significant impact on the defensive line.

23. Sacks and Tackles for Loss: In 2023, he accumulated 3.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss, showcasing his versatility as a linebacker.

24. Interceptions and Pass Breakups: In 2023, he recorded two interceptions and six pass breakups, contributing to the Browns' defensive success.

25. Forced Fumbles and Fumble Recoveries: Throughout his career, he has forced eight fumbles and recovered four, demonstrating his skill in disrupting opponents' plays.

Physical Attributes and Experience

Jeremiah's physical attributes and experience make him a formidable presence on the field.

26. Height and Weight: Owusu-Koramoah stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 221 pounds. His physical stature and agility make him an effective player on the field.

27. Age and Experience: As of the 2023 season, he is 24 years old and has four years of experience in the NFL.

28. Jersey Number: He has worn jersey number 6 for the Browns, a number he also wore during his time at Notre Dame.

Community and Media Presence

Jeremiah's involvement in the community and his media presence highlight his commitment to making a positive impact off the field.

29. Community Involvement: In 2022, he organized a football camp in Ghana for young athletes, aiming to promote the sport and provide opportunities for underprivileged youth.

30. Media Presence: Owusu-Koramoah has been featured in various media outlets, including ESPN and Cleveland Browns Daily. He has addressed the media on several occasions, discussing his experiences, team dynamics, and personal growth.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: A Rising Star

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has quickly become a standout in the NFL. Born in Hampton, Virginia, and of Ghanaian descent, he's made waves with his versatility and skill as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. From his high school days at Bethel to his award-winning college career at Notre Dame, Jeremiah's journey is marked by hard work and resilience. His impressive stats, including 247 tackles and eight interceptions, highlight his impact on the field. Beyond football, he's deeply connected to his heritage, running a football camp in Ghana and converting to Islam in 2024. Despite facing injuries, his dedication remains unwavering. With a recent contract extension and Pro Bowl selection, Jeremiah's future looks bright. His story is one of perseverance, community involvement, and excellence, inspiring many both on and off the field.