Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is preparing himself for a wave of emotions as he steps onto the Ford Field turf for the first time this Sunday.
“It took so many things going right for me to be here today,” TeSlaa admitted. “I’ll definitely be emotional. I’ve always been someone who tears up in big moments.”
Guided by Amon-Ra St. Brown
TeSlaa credits much of his early growth in Detroit to veteran wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Watching St. Brown’s approach has set the standard for him.
“He leads by doing,” TeSlaa said. “The way he practices, the way he prepares—that’s something I want to model myself after.”
St. Brown showed that leadership in Week 1 when he quickly recovered TeSlaa’s first career touchdown ball and made sure officials gave it another look. Off the field, St. Brown also keeps him accountable for his rookie duties. TeSlaa laughed while explaining: “Saint loves his sweet tea. If I forget it, he’s not too happy.”
Turning One Snap Into an Opportunity
Though TeSlaa only saw the field for three offensive plays against Green Bay, he made his presence felt in a huge way. On a critical fourth-and-3 in the closing minutes, he rose above Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine and reeled in a stunning one-handed, toe-drag touchdown. Initially ruled incomplete, replay overturned the call, creating one of Week 1’s most replayed highlights.
Head coach Dan Campbell explained that illness during practice limited TeSlaa’s workload but expects that to change moving forward.
“He made the most of his opportunities,” Campbell said. “We’ll definitely look for ways to get him more snaps.”
With Detroit’s offense struggling to find rhythm in its opener, TeSlaa’s emergence could provide a much-needed spark. Counting preseason, he’s now scored in four consecutive games.
A Michigan Kid Living the Dream
Sunday’s home opener will carry extra weight for the Hudsonville, Michigan native. A standout at Unity Christian High School, TeSlaa led his team to its first-ever state championship while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Passed over by major college programs, he first thrived at Hillsdale before transferring to Arkansas, where he developed into one of the SEC’s top downfield threats. A strong Senior Bowl and combine performance cemented his draft stock, leading to the Lions taking him with the 70th overall pick this past spring.
Now, after an eye-catching preseason and a memorable first NFL moment, TeSlaa prepares for his Ford Field debut—one that could be as emotional as it is unforgettable.
