Lions' Penei Sewell Living 'Dream' as NFL Player

From the tiny, impoverished island of American Samoa to the bright lights of the NFL, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell’s journey has been defined by humility, perseverance, and an insatiable drive to be great.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes recently told Kevin Clark of “This Is Football” that in his career, he’s only seen two players who approach every day with what he calls an “undrafted mentality”: three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and Sewell. For Sewell, that relentless approach stems from his upbringing.

“To be honest, it stems from the time I spent on the island, the island of American Samoa,” the All-Pro offensive lineman told Clark. “And just all those times with humble beginnings, the life I live now, it’s a dream compared to what I was doing back then. And this is the dream I’ve always wanted my whole life. I come in each and every single day with that same mindset I had back then. And even now that I’m a father, I’m constantly an example of what my kids look up to. So with that in mind all the time, I just feel like I have to come out here each and every single day and go to work.”

Sewell embraces his role as a leader, not only for his family but for his teammates. When younger players seek advice, he doesn’t hold back.

“I give them everything,” Sewell said. “If those guys are willing to learn and really listen to that advice, then why not give it to them? So, I just give them everything I’ve acquired over this past couple years of experience. And just from there on, go into specifics of the question being asked.”

Fatherhood has also given Sewell a deeper sense of purpose. 

“(It’s) more so appreciation than anything,” he said. “And I go back to that example, just like you said how the younger guys in the locker room and the team look up to me, now I have my one of my own and that kind of takes it a step further in terms of how I walk, how I talk, how I guess I am respectful. Everything’s being watched, and so I try to be a great example of a man each and every day.”