Penei Elama Sewell (born October 9, 2000) is an American Samoan professional football player who plays as an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks and won the Outland and Morris trophies in 2019. Sewell was chosen as the seventh pick overall by the Lions in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. From 2022 to 2025, he was selected four times for the Pro Bowl. He was named to the first-team All-Pro in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Sewell is the brother of Nephi and Noah Sewell, who both have also played professional football.
Early life
Penei Elama Sewell was born on October 9, 2000, in Malaeimi, a village in American Samoa, close to the capital city of Pago Pago. When he was young, he started playing American football with his three brothers after his father, Gabriel, became a coach. Believing his children could one day play in the National Football League (NFL), Gabriel moved his family to St. George, Utah, in 2012. He went to Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, where he played football. In 2017, as a senior, he participated in the US Army All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowls. He then committed to the University of Oregon, where he played college football for the Oregon Ducks.
College career
Sewell began playing right away as a freshman for the Ducks in 2018, starting in seven games but missing six because of a serious ankle injury. He returned in 2019 and earned the Morris Trophy and Outland Trophy. Also, he and former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were chosen as co-recipients of the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award. Sewell chose not to play in the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and entered the 2021 NFL draft.
Professional career
Regarded as one of the best overall players with high potential in the 2021 NFL draft, Sewell was chosen seventh overall by the Detroit Lions. He had a positive test for COVID-19 in May 2021 and was unable to attend minicamp. He signed a four-year contract for new players, worth $24.1 million, in the same month. As a rookie, he played in and started 16 games, only missing the final regular season game. He was named to the 2021 Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
In Week 14 of the 2022 season, Sewell caught a nine-yard pass late in the fourth quarter, helping the Lions gain an important first down in their 34–23 win over the Minnesota Vikings. During the 2022 season, he started all 17 games and was named a Pro Bowl alternate. In 2023, Sewell started all 17 games and was selected to his second Pro Bowl and first First-team All-Pro. He played in the NFC Championship game with the Lions, where they lost 34–31. He was ranked 22nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.
On April 24, 2024, Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Lions, ensuring he will be with the team through the 2029 season. He started in all 17 games during the 2024 season. He earned first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the 2024 season.
Personal life
Sewell has three brothers: Gabriel, Nephi, and Noah, who are all professional football linebackers. Gabriel plays for the Houston Roughnecks in the United Football League, while Nephi and Noah play for the Chicago Bears. The brothers are nephews of former NFL players Isaac Sopoaga and Richard Brown.