Noah Sewell wrapped his three year career with the Oregon Ducks early, declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft in hopes to make his family 4-for-4 in producing children who play professional football.
Noah is the last of a long lineage of Sewell's to play professionally.
He has three older brothers:
Gabriel, a linebacker for the USFL's Philadelphia Stars.
Nephi, a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints.
And Penei, an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions.
But, Noah and Penei's football connection runs deeper than childhood dreams of becoming one of the pros. The two actually share more than a bloodline.
They share an alma mater: University of Oregon.
The Sewell's time at Oregon
Before Penei was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was a standout for the Oregon Ducks. A mighty strong one.
He was the first Polynesian, first sophomore offensive lineman, and first Oregon player to win the Outland Trophy. He also joined the exclusive club of Oregon unanimous first-team All-Americans, alongside LaMichael James (2010) and Marcua Mariota (2014).
He was a force to be reckoned with only allowing one sack over 1,376 snaps across two seasons. The Ducks were 17-3 in that same time period with him in the starting lineup.
Penei told the Detroit Free Press in January that, "it would be a blessing if Noah could follow in his footsteps as a first-round pick, and he said whatever team drafts his brother won't be disappointed."
"I think, to be honest, you’re getting a little me," Penei said in his statement. "Me and him, we talk a lot. We’re kind of alike, so I feel like honestly, you’re just getting another me."
Noah earned himself a plethora of awards and nominations in his third season before he opted out of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl in preparations. He was the first Oregon player to be named a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award multiple times and the first Oregon player to be named a two-time semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
He finished his career with 215 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Noah is a projected third-round pick, according to NFL Mock Draft Database.
MORE: NFL Draft prospects 2023: Updated big board of top 125 players overall, position rankings
Noah, Penei and the rest of the Sewell crew have their father Gabriel to thank for the introduction to football.
The family lived on a small island in the South Pacific called American Samoa. Gabriel had become a high school football coach, allowing his boys to tag along. It was there that he realized their potential, and eventually relocated them St. George, Utah in 2012 where their careers skyrocketed.
