Isaac TeSlaa is a wide receiver and lifelong Detroit Lions superfan. He realized his childhood dream when the team selected him in the third round, with the 70th overall pick. This memorable event not only satisfied his prophecies, but was the crowning achievement of his extraordinary football life. TeSlaa started his football career at Hillsdale College. After moving to Arkansas, he took big steps on the road to the NFL.
On a recent tour of the Lions’ facility campus, TeSlaa had a matching jersey to be proud of. It highlighted his last name and his high school jersey number, 10. This deeply symbolic gesture emphasized his deep-rooted ties to the team he has rooted for all his life. Since the eighth grade, the young defender has proudly donned a Lions kit with his high school number. On a deeper level, this jersey symbolizes his steadfast loyalty to the franchise.
TeSlaa’s football journey started at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he played for more than two seasons. His 2022 season was insanely productive, with him having a historic 1,325 yards. Once TeSlaa made the cross-country transfer to Arkansas, he didn’t stop over on his new campus—he flourished. His 19.5 yards per reception ranked 12th in all of FBS in 2024.
Isaac TeSlaa’s high school coach, Craig Tibbe, and former athletic director, Jeff Engbers, beamed as they recalled his path to the NFL. They were amazed at what he has accomplished. They wrote about how surreal it was to have him play for the long-lost hometown team. This accomplishment is momentous for both TeSlaa and the surrounding community.
“I thought he just did a cheesy move, just some fanboy stuff, and I was like, ‘Come on, he didn’t put a Lions jersey on.’ But no, he said, ‘No, I’ve had this since the eighth grade. What better time to wear it than now?’” – Brad Holmes
For Brad Holmes, the Lions’ General Manager, it was a reward for TeSlaa’s faithfulness as a lifelong fan. He emphasized that passion alone was not enough.
For TeSlaa, the love of the game was everything from the beginning. Engbers is a self-proclaimed pretty normal young man when it came to athleticism in high school. He proved everyone wrong by showing elite leaping skills on the hardwood.
“He was probably the eighth, ninth, seventh guy … he didn’t play tons, but when he would play, he could jump through the roof. He would have these dunks that were awesome.” – Jeff Engbers
TeSlaa’s resounding on-field success made scouts sit up and take note. Ray Agnew – TeSlaa was a bright star in blocking well at the Senior Bowl. His standout performance emphasizes his ability to be a great weapon for the Lions’ offense.
After being drafted, TeSlaa was given an actual Lions uniform which only added to the bond he had forged with his new team. The joy of his choice’s selection rang clear not just with him, but with his loved ones’ jubilation. In a show of support, members of their church even wore Lions jerseys with “TeSlaa” written over their last names.
“We ended up going to church the next day and there were people with Lions jerseys on and they taped it over the top of the last name in the back and wrote ‘TeSlaa.’” – Mark TeSlaa
TeSlaa shared his excitement about joining the team and wearing his own number, and to help them have continued success.
“It’s much better to be wearing my own number with my name on the back and just go out here and make plays and just learn the offense and just be a part of this.” – Isaac TeSlaa
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