Local athlete and former SVSU star promoted by the

Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Trevor Nowaske practices on Monday, July 31, 2023, during the Detroit Lions training camp in Allen Park. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Trevor Nowaske, a former standout player at Saginaw Valley State University, joined his hometown NFL team on Thursday, but he will have to wait for his first-ever NFL action.

The Detroit Lions promoted the former Salem High School standout Thursday from the practice squad, waiving running back Devine Ozigbo.

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Getting to the NFL is a long road, especially for a Division II player. Though the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has produced a few NFL veterans,

Former Wayne State star Joique Bell had a six-year NFL career as a running back, mostly with the Detroit Lions. Former Saginaw Valley State offensive lineman Todd Herremans played 11 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (2005–2014) and Indianapolis Colts (2015). Cornerback Brandon Carr, a Grand Valley State alum, is entering his 12th season, now with the Baltimore Ravens.

The GLIAC’s 2018 class produced four NFL players, including Ferris State defensive end Zach Sieler, the first player drafted out of the conference, who was selected in the seventh round by the Ravens. Five players signed undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams this year.