Former Notre Dame Star Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Ruled Out for 2025 Season, Devastating Blow to Cleveland Browns Defense
The Cleveland Browns have suffered a major setback just months before the 2025 NFL season, as star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been officially ruled out for the entire year due to a significant lower-body injury sustained during offseason training. The former Notre Dame standout, who has become a cornerstone of Cleveland’s resurgent defense, is expected to undergo surgery and begin a long rehabilitation process, effectively ending his season before it begins.
The news was confirmed Monday by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference following the team’s first set of organized team activities. “It’s a tough blow,” Stefanski said. “Jeremiah is one of our emotional leaders on and off the field. He’s been a dynamic presence in our linebacker room and throughout the defense. We’re going to miss him, but we’ll support him through this recovery every step of the way.”
Owusu-Koramoah, entering his fifth season in the NFL, had emerged as one of the league’s most versatile and instinctive linebackers. After a standout senior season at Notre Dame in 2020, where he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, he was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, his growth on the field has mirrored the Browns’ own evolution from a struggling franchise into a legitimate playoff contender.
Known for his explosive burst, lateral quickness, and ability to cover ground in both run support and pass defense, Owusu-Koramoah played a pivotal role in Cleveland’s 2024 defensive turnaround. He recorded 108 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception last season, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors. In many respects, he had begun to resemble the hybrid linebackers that have become increasingly essential in the modern NFL — fast enough to cover tight ends and running backs, yet strong enough to plug gaps and blitz effectively.
The nature of his injury has not been fully disclosed, but multiple reports suggest it is a torn Achilles tendon — an injury that often requires 9 to 12 months of rehabilitation. It’s a significant blow to both Owusu-Koramoah’s career momentum and the Browns’ defensive identity. The 25-year-old linebacker had not missed a single game over the last two seasons, and his durability was one of the key reasons why Cleveland’s defense finished among the top five in total yards allowed in 2024.
Now, the Browns face the daunting task of filling a massive void in the middle of their defense. While Cleveland has decent depth at the linebacker position — including Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki, and recent draft pick Tommy Eichenberg out of Ohio State — none offer the same combination of range, explosiveness, and playmaking instincts as Owusu-Koramoah. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will likely have to adjust schemes and responsibilities to account for the absence of his star defender.
The injury also comes at a pivotal time for the Browns, who are looking to build on last season’s 11-6 record and Wild Card playoff appearance. With Deshaun Watson returning to full strength, a talented receiving corps headlined by Amari Cooper, and a top-tier defensive front featuring Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, many considered Cleveland a dark-horse contender in the AFC. But with the loss of their defensive quarterback in Owusu-Koramoah, expectations must now be recalibrated.
It’s a personal disappointment as well for Owusu-Koramoah, who had entered this offseason with aspirations of not only leading the Browns to a deep playoff run but also establishing himself as a defensive player of the year candidate. His fifth-year option was picked up by Cleveland earlier this offseason, meaning he remains under contract through the end of the 2025 campaign, but this injury could impact future negotiations for a long-term extension.
His teammates, both past and present, have responded to the news with a flood of support. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who coached Owusu-Koramoah during his early time in South Bend, posted a message on social media shortly after the announcement: “Heartbroken to hear about JOK. One of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around. He’ll bounce back stronger. Always Irish.”
Former Notre Dame linebacker and now NFL analyst Jaylon Smith also shared words of encouragement: “JOK’s game changed the way people look at the position. He’s a warrior. This won’t stop him.”
Indeed, Owusu-Koramoah’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience. After redshirting during his freshman year at Notre Dame and suffering a broken foot early in his sophomore season, he rebounded to become the heart of the Fighting Irish defense in 2019 and 2020. His performance in big games, including a standout showing in the College Football Playoff against Alabama, made him a household name in college football circles.
His faith and culture — Owusu-Koramoah is of Ghanaian descent and has often spoken about how his heritage and spiritual grounding shape his approach to the game — have also been defining features of his public identity. He remains actively involved in community initiatives both in Cleveland and in his hometown of Hampton, Virginia, often emphasizing education, social justice, and support for underserved youth.
Now, the challenge ahead is more personal and internal. Rehabbing from a significant lower-body injury is not just a physical test but a mental and emotional one. For many NFL players, especially those whose games are built around athleticism and movement, the road back from an Achilles tear can be fraught with uncertainty. The Browns’ medical staff, regarded as one of the best in the league, will play a critical role in ensuring that Owusu-Koramoah receives top-tier care and rehabilitation support.
In the short term, Cleveland may look to explore the free-agent market or possible trades to add veteran depth at linebacker. Options such as Deion Jones, who previously played for the Browns, or even older veterans like Kwon Alexander could be considered stopgap solutions. Still, there’s no true one-for-one replacement for what Owusu-Koramoah brings to the table.
His absence could also affect how the Browns deploy their safeties and nickel packages, given that Owusu-Koramoah often functioned as a de facto hybrid player in coverage schemes. Players like Grant Delpit may be asked to take on greater leadership roles in coverage, while the coaching staff may need to elevate one of the younger linebackers into a more central role faster than originally planned.
For Browns fans, this news stings on multiple levels. Just as the franchise was starting to garner national respect and momentum, a foundational piece is suddenly removed from the puzzle. But if there’s any silver lining, it’s the belief that Owusu-Koramoah’s work ethic, combined with advancements in medical treatment and rehabilitation, gives him a strong chance to return to form in 2026.
He’ll turn 26 in November, and by the time the 2026 season begins, he could be poised for a full return, assuming there are no setbacks. Many players, including notable defenders like Jason Verrett and Terrell Suggs, have returned from Achilles injuries and continued to perform at high levels. While each recovery journey is unique, there’s no reason to doubt that Owusu-Koramoah has both the mindset and support system to make it back stronger.
In the meantime, the Browns must press on. Football is a next-man-up league, and the AFC North waits for no one. With the Baltimore Ravens still strong, the Cincinnati Bengals reloading behind Joe Burrow, and the Pittsburgh Steelers always lurking with a tough defense, the margin for error is razor-thin. The loss of a player like Owusu-Koramoah could be the difference in winning a division or missing the playoffs entirely.
For now, the focus shifts to healing, regrouping, and rallying. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will not be on the field in 2025, but his influence — through leadership, mentorship, and spirit — will still be felt in the Browns’ locker room. And when he does return, few will doubt that he’ll once again be flying sideline to sideline, making plays with the same fire that first turned heads at Notre Dame.
