Pate Tuilevuka couldn’t believe his eyes. He was at a tryout as a favor to a friend, but he quickly realized he was witnessing something extraordinary.
Someone that big and strong shouldn’t be that fast and smooth. The potential seemed endless, and the opportunities limitless.
Tuilevuka, the general manager of Major League Rugby’s Seattle Seawolves, saw a future star in Laiatu Latu. He saw shades of New Zealand rugby union legend Jonah Lomu in Latu’s game. “Jonah was huge, powerful, with incredible speed and strength,” Tuilevuka said. “As soon as I saw Latu, I knew he had all of that.”
The tryout was supposed to last three days, but Tuilevuka was ready to sign Latu on the spot after just a few drills. However, the 20-year-old couldn’t commit.
Latu excelled in rugby, leading Jesuit High to two national championships with a ruthless playing style. His coach, Lou Stanfill, described him as “clinically merciless,” dominating opponents with his size and skill.
Of course we dug up Laiatu’s high school rugby highlights. 💥
(via @Hudl) pic.twitter.com/QsfJYla7nW
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 26, 2024
Despite his success in rugby, Latu’s heart belonged to football. An injury at the University of Washington almost ended his football dreams, but he chose to defy the odds.
After teams selected 14 straight offense players to open up the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts made Laiatu Latu the first defender chosen. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
An injury threatened Latu’s football career, but he refused to give up. With the support of his family, he underwent surgery and fought his way back to football.
Despite the challenges, Latu’s determination paid off when he became the first defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Laiatu Latu racked up 23.5 sacks over his final two years of college at UCLA. (Ric Tapia / Getty Images)
Overcoming adversity, Latu returned to football and earned a spot in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. His journey is a testament to his resilience and determination.
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The Latu family (from left: Keleki, Kerry, Aulani, Laiatu and Naite) pose on the field after UCLA and Cal met in the teams’ regular-season finale in 2022. (Courtesy of Kerry Latu)