Ifeatu Melifonwu Gets Interception to Secure Detroit Lions First Division Title in 30 Years
Former Syracuse defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu picked off a pass to secure a Detroit Lions victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. With the win, the Lions clinched its first division title since 1993 (30 years). That means Detroit will host its first playoff game in that same timeframe. You can watch the play in the embedded tweet below. It was Melifonwu's first career interception as well.
It capped a stellar day for Melifonwu, who also had five tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed and two tackles for loss. The Vikings were driving trailing 30-24 looking for a touchdown to steal a victory against their division rivals. Nick Mullins tried to hit Justin Jefferson inside the 10 yard line, but Melifonwu had other plans. He jumped in front of the pass, made the catch and secured the win.
Melifonwu was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 101st overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He finished his Syracuse career with 88 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed in three seasons. His best individual year was his final season when he had 54 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and six passes defensed in 10 games.
In three seasons with the Lions, Melifonwu has played in 32 games. He has accumulated 54 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. He has his most productive year this season.
Melifonwu signed with Syracuse as part of the Orange's 2017 recruiting class over offers from Michigan and others.
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