Laekin Vakalahi (born 28 January 2003) is a New Zealand-born, Australian professional American football offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and former rugby league player.
Laekin Vakalahi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 January 2003[1] |
|
American football career | |
| No. 67 – Philadelphia Eagles | |
| Position: | Offensive tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight: | 320 lb (145 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: | None |
| Career history | |
| |
| Roster status: | Practice squad/international |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
editHe was born in Auckland, New Zealand and played junior rugby league in Brisbane for the Ormeau Shearers. He later moved to Melbourne where he played basketball.[2] After a chance encounter in Hawaii with his family and Bill Carey, a friend of Philadelphia Eagles international scout Chris Naeole who was impressed by his 35-inch arms 83–inch wingspan. He was given an official try-out and he began to train at Conquest Athletic Performance in Australia, previously used by Baltimore Ravens' Daniel Faalele.[3][4][5][6]
Career
editAfter completing a six-week training camp, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in May 2024 on a three-year international development contract.[2][5][6] In pre-season in 2024 he played left tackle.[7]
Personal life
editHis parents are Frank and Mary Vakalahi. He has four siblings, including a younger brother Kobe Vakalahi. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he spent two years completing his mission service in Wellington, New Zealand prior to 2024.[8][2][5] He has New Zealand citizenship.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Laekin Vakalahi". Fox Sports. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Horesh, Laurence (3 May 2024). "Eagles at it again, sign raw 300-pound Aussie Laekin Vakalahi". ESPN. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ McMullen, John (8 June 2024). "Why Can't Lightning Strike Twice With The Eagles?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ Kramer, Kelsey (6 May 2024). "Eagles' latest signing Laekin Vakalahi is Jordan Mailata 2.0". AtoZsports.com. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "Philadelphia Eagle Soars as He Puts the Lord First". Pacific.churchofjesuschrist.org. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Dayal, Zion (16 May 2024). "How a dad's trip to Hawaii got his son signed to the NFL". 1news.co.nz. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ Zangaro, Dave (28 August 2024). "Eagles practice squad tracker 2024: Filling out the 17-man squad". nbcsportsphikadelphia. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "NFL player attends general conference with his family from Australia". The Church. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.