Erie Native Jesse Luketa Lands with Los Angeles Rams after Cardinals Release
Los Angeles, CA – Former Mercyhurst Prep football standout Jesse Luketa has signed with the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced november 18. The move comes after Luketa was released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this year following a thigh injury that concluded his 2024 season.
luketa, a 26-year-old linebacker and a 2018 Erie First christian graduate, spent three seasons with Arizona, recording 35 tackles – including three quarterback sacks – and forcing a fumble over 31 games. His release followed recovery from the December injury, opening the door for a new prospect within the NFC West division.
The Ottawa, Ontario native is initially projected to join the Rams’ practice squad, but could see action as early as September 23 when Los Angeles hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luketa could also face his former team twice before the end of the regular season, with Rams-Cardinals matchups scheduled for December 7 in Arizona and January 4, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Luketa’s time with the Cardinals also overlapped with McDowell graduate James Conner, whose ninth NFL season was cut short by a foot injury sustained during a September 21 game against the San Francisco 49ers.Conner is scheduled to undergo foot surgery, according to reports.