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The Detroit Lions have decided to part ways with Canadian linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, a decision announced by the team on Sunday.
Having arrived in Detroit
earlier this month, the 27-year-old ultimately failed to secure a permanent spot on the roster.
Ogbongbemiga had just completed two seasons with the Chicago Bears
. In 2025, he appeared in eight regular-season games, including one as a starter. His stats included 17 tackles and one pass deflection.
His first season in Chicago, however, saw him receive more playing time. He appeared in all 17 games of the season and established himself as a regular on
special teams
. He recorded 13 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack.
Before joining the Bears, the defensive player wore the colors of the Los Angeles Chargers
during his first three professional seasons. He entered the NFL in 2021 after going undrafted.
In 72 regular-season NFL games, Ogbongbemiga has three starts, 66 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries. His professional career has earned him approximately $7.42 million to date.
He played college football at Oklahoma State
, where he recorded 208 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He also forced four fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and had one interception. He was selected twice to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ogbongbemiga grew up in Houston and then in Calgary. He attended Notre Dame Senior High School. His exclusive rights in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
are still held by the Calgary Stampeders, who selected him eighth overall in the 2021 draft.
Giovanni Manu Placed on the Reserve List
The Lions also announced another decision regarding a Canadian player. The team placed offensive lineman Giovanni Manu
on the reserve list due to a non-football-related injury.
Manu, 25, was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing at the University of British Columbia. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 352 pounds, he played in four regular-season games for Detroit and made one start.
Born in Tonga and raised in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Manu had stood out with the UBC Thunderbirds, earning two selections to the U Sports Second Team All-Canadian.
These two moves illustrate the ongoing adjustments being made by the Lions as the team finalizes its roster for the upcoming NFL season.
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