Ben Niemann Stats & Bio | Lions Outside Linebacker

About Ben Niemann

Ben Niemann serves as a versatile outside linebacker for the Detroit Lions, wearing jersey #51. The 6'3", 235-pound defender brings reliable tackling and football intelligence to Detroit's linebacker corps. Born on July 27, 1995, in Des Moines, Iowa, Niemann developed his skills at the University of Iowa, where he established himself as a dependable defensive presence for the Hawkeyes. Before joining the Lions, Niemann gained valuable NFL experience with the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, demonstrating his adaptability across multiple defensive systems. Known for his special teams contributions and ability to provide depth at the linebacker position, Niemann combines sound fundamentals with positional versatility. The Iowa native's professional approach and understanding of defensive schemes have helped him carve out a sustained NFL career despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Updated: Jan 15, 2026