Ifeatu Melifonwu

Melifonwu attended Grafton High School in Grafton, Massachusetts. He played defensive back, running back and wide receiver in high school. A standout athlete, Melifonwu also played basketball, ran track, and even played a year of lacrosse. Melifonwu committed to Syracuse University to play college football.^[1][2] He is of Nigerian descent.^[3]

Melifonwu played at Syracuse from 2017 to 2020. After redshirting his first year in 2017, he played in 29 games over the next three seasons. He finished his career with 88 tackles, three interceptions and one sack. After his junior season in 2020, he declared for the 2021 NFL draft.^[4][5]

Melifonwu was drafted in the third round, 101st overall, by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft.^[10] Melifonwu signed his four-year rookie contract with Detroit on July 23, 2021.^[11]

On September 22, 2021, Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve after suffering a thigh injury in Week 2.^[12] He was activated on November 29. On June 1, 2022, Melifonwu started snaps as both a cornerback and a safety.^[13]

On December 24, 2023, Melifonwu intercepted a pass from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens to end the game, clinching the Lions' first division title since 1993, and the first NFC North title for the Lions.^[14]

In the 2024 NFL season, Melifonwu suffered an ankle injury during training camp. He was placed on IR. Mid-season when the Lions opened his 21-day practice window, he dislocated his finger keeping him out for another month. He was able to return at the end of the season and impact his team. In Week 16 against the Bears, he knocked down a pass on 4th down.^[15]

On March 13, 2025, Melifonwu signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.^[16][17]