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Laekin Vakalahi

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Laekin Vakalahi
Born (2003-01-31) 31 January 2003 (age 21)[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

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.

Early life

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He 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

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After 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

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His 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

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  1. ^ "Laekin Vakalahi". Fox Sports. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Horesh, Laurence (3 May 2024). "Eagles at it again, sign raw 300-pound Aussie Laekin Vakalahi". ESPN. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  3. ^ McMullen, John (8 June 2024). "Why Can't Lightning Strike Twice With The Eagles?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  4. ^ Kramer, Kelsey (6 May 2024). "Eagles' latest signing Laekin Vakalahi is Jordan Mailata 2.0". AtoZsports.com. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Philadelphia Eagle Soars as He Puts the Lord First". Pacific.churchofjesuschrist.org. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Zangaro, Dave (28 August 2024). "Eagles practice squad tracker 2024: Filling out the 17-man squad". nbcsportsphikadelphia. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  8. ^ "NFL player attends general conference with his family from Australia". The Church. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
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