By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are turning heads again — and this time, it’s not just because of a flashy draft pick or a big trade. They’ve just added 21-year-old Australian rugby player Laki Tasi to their roster through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. And let’s be real: with a 6-foot-6, 348-pound frame, it’s hard not to notice.
From a Burger Joint to the NFL Dream
Believe it or not, Tasi’s journey to the NFL started in probably the most casual way imaginable — while grabbing a bite to eat.
In an interview with ESPN, Tasi shared that he first heard about the NFL and the IPP while eating at a burger place, where the owner pointed him toward the program that helped launch Jordan Mailata into stardom.
“I didn’t know who … Jordan Mailata (was) and what the NFL is. As soon as I search up the YouTube about Jordan Mailata and the NFL IPP, I realized how big it is,” Tasi said.
Talk about destiny finding you over a plate of fries.
A Direct Path to the Big League
The International Player Pathway Program, which kicked off in 2016, is designed to give athletes from outside the U.S. and Canada a real shot at the NFL.
The Lions have previously had players who came through the program — like defensive tackle David Bada and offensive lineman Max Pircher — but they joined Detroit after spending time with other teams.
Laki Tasi is breaking new ground: he’s the first player to land on the Lions’ roster straight from the IPP.
An added bonus? IPP players don’t count against a team’s roster limit. So Detroit can take their time developing Tasi without worrying about the numbers game.
Showing Off His Skills
Last month, Tasi participated in an IPP pro day, giving scouts a closer look at what he brings to the table.
And according to NFL Network’s Scott Pioli, it’s a lot.
Tasi “has played at the highest levels of rugby in Australia, picking up the sport in his early teens and eventually playing in the rugby league and rugby union,” Pioli said.
And when you size him up — literally — it’s clear why there’s excitement.
“At 6-foot-6, 348 pounds with 34-inch arms, Tasi has very good size and the tools to be a big interior defensive lineman, along with the toughness and makeup to play in the trenches,” Pioli added.
He also praised Tasi’s “strong and intriguing combination of developmental tools, stature and mindset.”
What’s Next for Tasi?
The plan is simple: Laki Tasi will suit up for the Lions’ rookie minicamp next month.
There, he’ll start the long but exciting journey from rugby standout to NFL contributor.
Will it be an overnight success story? Maybe not. But the Lions aren’t in any rush — and with that kind of size, raw power, and attitude, Tasi just might become a name that Lions fans are cheering for sooner rather than later.