Laekin Vakalahi
Australian football player (born 2003)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Laekin Vakalahi (born 28 January 2003)[1] is a New Zealand-Australian professional American football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) and former rugby league player.
Auckland, New Zealand
| No. 78 – Los Angeles Chargers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Offensive tackle |
| Roster status | Practice squad |
| Personal information | |
| Born | 28 January 2003 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 327 lb (148 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NFL draft | 2024: undrafted |
| Career history | |
| |
* Offseason or practice squad member only | |
| Awards and highlights | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
Vakalahi 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]
American football career
Philadelphia Eagles
After completing a six-week training camp, Vakalahi 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] He won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.[8]
Vakalahi signed a reserve/future contract with Philadelphia on February 14, 2025.[9] He was waived by the Eagles on August 26 as a part of the team's final roster cuts.[10]
Los Angeles Chargers
On May 12, 2026, Vakalahi was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers.[11] He was waived on August 30, and re-signed to the practice squad.[12][13]
Personal life
Vakalahi's 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.[14][2][5] He is a citizen of New Zealand.[6]