Recently voted one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL by coaches, executives, and coaches as reported by ESPN+, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell is focused on the one that got away.
Why Detroit Lions OT Penei Sewell Can’t Let Up
Sewell, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, has become one of the leading tackles in the NFL. One of the foundational cornerstones of the rebuilt Lions’ franchise, Sewell has the distinction of being the very first draft pick in the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell era.
Only 23 years old, Sewell embodies everything the Lions desire in their new team identity. He is dedicated, hardworking, immensely talented, and unrelenting in his desire to excel. In 2,320 consecutive snaps, he gave up only one sack. It happened when former New Orleans Saints Zach Baun got by him. That sack still haunts him and it’s why he can’t let up.
“I’m kind of mad about that one,” Sewell told MLive, “It does stick with me. People bringing it up doesn’t help also. For the most part, (my season was) good. I’ll say it’s good. But there’s a lot out there I can still get, and I know that, and the coaches know that. I hope that I can kind of look at those things and fix them going into the playoffs. Not even waiting for next year. I think I can do that. So, it’s going to be exciting.”
The Early Years
Born to a football family in American Samoa, Sewell and his three brothers adopted the sport while his father became a coach. Recognizing his sons’ athletic potential, Sewell’s father moved the family to Utah. The move proved advantageous for the family. Sewell’s brother Noah is currently a linebacker with the Chicago Bears. His brother Gabriel plays the same position for the UFL Houston Roughnecks while his nephew Nephi is a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints.
Sewell attended the University of Oregon where he played football. As an Oregon Duck, Sewell won both the Outland and Morris trophies in 2019. That same year, Sewell was named a co-winner of the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. His co-recipient for the award was the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tua Tagovailoa.
Sewell Becomes A Detroit Lions Offensive Tackle
As a rookie, Sewell signed a four-year contract with the Lions with a starting salary of $24.1 million. He earned his paycheck that year, starting all but one of the 17 games, and was named to the 2021 All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers Association. Standing an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 335 pounds, Sewell is considered both an elite pass blocker and equally strong protecting the run. According to SI.com, Sewell is a “Dominant run blocker and arguably the best anchor in pass protection,” an AFC executive said. “Some OTs are great pass blockers but just average in the run game. He’s elite in both phases. Very consistent. Plays with an edge.”
When ESPN+ released their 2024 list of the best offensive NFL linemen, Sewell was arguably the leading candidate for the best overall lineman in the NFC North division. Sewell anchored one of the league’s best offensive lines in 2023, allowing the Lions offense to score an average of 27.1 points per game. “A dog, physically elite, improved every year,” an NFL coordinator said.
Looking Ahead To The 2024 Season
One of the goals for the Lions this season was avoiding any prolonged contract battles or drama associated with training camp hold-outs. Along with quarterback Jared Goff, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown, the Lions signed Sewell to a multi-year contract extension. The $112 million contract extension includes $85 million guaranteed. By resolving any contract issues ahead of camp, Holmes and Campbell want everyone focused on the task at hand. Now, with all the elements in place for a superior season, the Lions front office can look forward to the 2024 season with confidence that this team is one step closer to that Super Bowl appearance.
Main Image: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
