As Kirk Ferentz continues to build a healthy pipeline, another former Iowa Hawkeye has made his way onto the NFL roster. Ben Niemann, a former linebacker for Iowa, signed a contract with the Detroit Lions.
In addition to Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta, Niemann is another Hawkeye on the team that embodies the motto and stern mindset of Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Ben Niemann has six seasons of NFL experience, his first four of which were spent with the Kansas City Chiefs. After that, he bounced about, playing for the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos in 2023 before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2022.
With 86 career games played, Niemann has amassed 239 total tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and 5 fumble recoveries. He joins Detroit’s talented and deep linebacking squad.
Niemann started 40 games and participated in 53 total during his time at Iowa. In his sophomore and senior seasons, he got an honorable mention on the All-Big Ten team. 201 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles were all part of his Iowa career.
Niemann’s chances of starting for the Lions are slim, but his special teams prowess may help him earn a spot on the roster. He was only employed on special teams in 2023, when he could have an instant impact for the Detroit Lions. He did not play a defensive snap.
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