Former Mountaineer Bruce Irvin to Return to NFL, Join Detroit Lions

Former Mountaineer Bruce Irvin is returning to the NFL in the middle of the season. Irvin is signing the Detroit Lions, according to a report by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Irvin will initially join Detroit’s practice squad. This is a similar situation as last season for Irvin, who joined the Seahawks in the middle of the season and then ended up being productive and helping Seattle reach the playoffs.

Veteran pass rusher Bruce Irvin is signing with the #Lions, per his agent Daniela Salazar.

Irvin will start out on the practice squad. He has 55.5 career sacks. pic.twitter.com/wJRSQcmLaW

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 14, 2023

Irvin, 35, who most recently completed a third sting with the Seahawks, the NFL franchise who drafted him, played for the Mountaineers from 2010-2011. He recorded 45 tackles and 22.5 sacks in two seasons at WVU, playing a key role on West Virginia’s Orange Bowl winning team.

Once turning pro, Irvin was drafted with the 15th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by Seattle. He has since also played for the Raiders, Falcons, Panthers and Bears, totaling 340 tackles and 54 sacks. Irvin reached two Super Bowls, winning XLVIII with the Seahawks.