A Lifelong Dream Comes True

Isaac TeSlaa, a 6-foot-4, 214-pound wide receiver, has always been a die-hard Detroit Lions fan. Growing up in Hudsonville, Michigan, TeSlaa's love for the Lions was evident from a young age. His closet was filled with jerseys of Lions legends like Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, and Ndamukong Suh. Now, he has the honor of wearing his own Lions jersey as a rookie in the NFL.

The Draft Day Experience

On Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft, TeSlaa's dream became a reality when the Lions moved up 32 spots to select him in the third round with the 70th overall pick. TeSlaa arrived at the Meijer Performance Center for his visit already sporting a customized Lions jersey with his name and high school number, No. 10, on the back. This wasn't just a fanboy move; TeSlaa had owned the jersey since the eighth grade.

Family Ties and New Memories

TeSlaa's connection to the Lions runs deep. His father, Mark TeSlaa, became a Lions fan in 1989 when the team drafted Barry Sanders. Isaac's early Christmas present in 2012 was a trip to Ford Field to watch Calvin Johnson break Jerry Rice's single-season receiving yards record. Now, the TeSlaa family is looking forward to creating new memories with Isaac on the roster.

A Promising Future

TeSlaa was viewed as a sleeper pick in the draft due to his speed and explosive playmaking ability. While he still has work to do as a route runner, the Lions organization sees great potential in him. Assistant general manager Ray Agnew believes TeSlaa was "born to be a Lion" and is excited about his future with the team. TeSlaa is expected to contribute both in the slot and on the outside, and he could also see time on special teams.

From High School to the NFL

In high school, TeSlaa led Hudsonville Unity Christian to an MHSAA Division 5 state title in 2018 as a quarterback. After two-plus seasons at Hillsdale College and two seasons at Arkansas, TeSlaa's journey to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and determination. His former coaches and teammates are proud of his achievements and believe his best years are still ahead.

Ready to Make an Impact

Now that the emotions of being drafted to his favorite team have settled, TeSlaa is focused on making an impact on the field. "I think this is where I was born to be," TeSlaa said. "God has blessed me with the opportunity to come out here and be a part of it." Lions fans everywhere are excited to see what the future holds for this promising rookie.