Ifeatu Christian-David Melifonwu (born May 2, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early life 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. He is of Nigerian descent.
College career 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.
Professional career
Detroit Lions Melifonwu was drafted in the third round, 101st overall, by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft. Melifonwu signed his four-year rookie contract with Detroit on July 23, 2021. On September 22, Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve after suffering a thigh injury in Week 2. He was activated on November 29.
On June 1, 2022, Melifonwu started snaps as both a cornerback and a safety.
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.
In 2024, Melifonwu suffered an ankle injury during training camp, causing him to be placed on injured reserve. 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 Chicago Bears, he knocked down a pass on fourth down.
Miami Dolphins On March 13, 2025, Melifonwu signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Melifonwu made 16 appearances (including eight starts) for the Dolphins during the regular season, recording one interception, one pass defended, one sack, and 53 combined tackles.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers On July 30, 2026, Melifonwu signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was released on August 30, and re-signed to the practice squad. On September 30, Melifonwu was promoted to the active roster.
NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high
Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2021 DET 7 4 15 12 3 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2022 DET 10 1 14 9 5 0.5 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2023 DET 17 6 33 24 9 3.0 4 2 35 17.5 24 0 8 1 0 0 0 0 2024 DET 3 3 10 8 2 1.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2025 MIA 16 8 53 31 22 1.0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0Career 53 22 125 84 41 5.5 7 3 35 11.7 24 0 14 1 0 2 0 0
Postseason Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2023 DET 3 3 16 11 5 2.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 DET 1 1 2 0 2 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 4 4 18 11 7 2.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Personal life His brother, Obi Melifonwu, is also a football player.
References
External links
Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio Syracuse Orange bio