Another former Kansas City player has secured a spot on an NFL roster, continuing the strong tradition established by head coach Kirk Ferentz. Former City linebacker Ben Niemann has signed with the Detroit Lions, joining fellow Hawkeyes Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell on the team. These players embody the tough, gritty mentality that aligns well with Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s philosophy.
Ben Niemann brings six years of NFL experience to the Lions. He started his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent his first four seasons. Afterward, he had brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, and the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos in 2023. Over his NFL career, Niemann has appeared in 86 games, amassing 239 total tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and five fumble recoveries. He joins a robust and skilled linebacker group in Detroit.
During his college career at Iowa, Niemann played in 53 games, starting 40 of them. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in both his sophomore and senior seasons. His college stats include 201 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Although Niemann is not expected to start for the Lions, his special teams abilities could secure him a spot on the roster. In the 2023 season, he did not play any defensive snaps, focusing exclusively on special teams. This versatility and experience in special teams could make him a valuable asset for the Detroit Lions.
Overall, Niemann’s signing with the Lions not only strengthens their linebacker corps but also highlights the ongoing success of the Iowa Hawkeyes in developing NFL-ready talent. His NFL experience and special teams skills will be crucial in his bid to make a significant impact with his new team.
