The next time someone calls you for a Burger joint run, don’t even think about denying. Apparently, Burgers aren’t just fueling hunger; they’re building even hungrier future NFL stars. Don’t believe us? Just ask this rising rugby star. A simple run to a burger spot somehow sets off a chain reaction that leads all the way to America’s most loved sport. Back in 2017 IPP season, Nick Sirianni‘s Philadelphia Eagles pulled a similar move with Jordan Mailata, an Australian rugby player who had never played a snap of American football before getting drafted in 2018. Now, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is ready to bet big on another hidden gem, taking a page right out of Sirianni’s book.

There’s a new name buzzing through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, a project that’s been building success stories since 2017. IPP is all about giving elite global athletes a shot at the NFL. And this year it’s Laki Tasi, a Samoan-born Aussie rugby beast.

In an appearance with ESPN Australia, Tasi shared how he first heard about the NFL. The twenty-one-year-old wasn’t even aware something this big existed. He said, “One of the guys that owns a burger joint back home, he was telling me about NFL IPP that Jordan Mailata joined.” And to everyone’s utter disbelief, Tasi neither knew Jordan nor the NFL, so he did his part: “I searched up the YouTube about Jordan Mailata and the NFL, I realised how big it is,” Tasi confirmed. His friend from that burger joint insisted on joining the IPP, and good thing he listened. Laki Tasi today is stepping into the NFL’s most exciting roster without even hearing his name in the Draft.

Dan Campbell’s squad suffered a series of late-season injuries in 2024, and now it’s about time they take their game a step further. Standing at a massive 6’6″ and weighing 348 pounds, Tasi is here to own the trenches. Detroit plans to mold him into a wrecking ball on the defensive line. Back in March, Scott Pioli, an analyst of the NFL, suggested, “Tasi has very good size and the tools to be a big interior defensive lineman, along with the toughness and makeup to play in the trenches”. Given his age and natural athleticism, he’s a great project in the making.

Even though Lambeau Field had a packed audience in round 1, the Lions didn’t need a draft pick to lock Tasi down. The Lions grabbed him as an undrafted free agent. Former PFF analyst Sam Monson summed it up perfectly on X: “Some people have freaky genes. The Lions are bringing in this guy from the IPP. A few months ago, he didn’t know what the NFL was. Now he’s playing in it!”.

This draft season, the Lions are not chasing hype. Grabbing Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams at No. 28 was a smart pick that “fits like a glove”, as GM Brad Holmes put it, and now with this young rugby star is their next bet. Detroit is no longer the lovable underdog; they’re hunting bigger dreams now.

Beyond Tasi’s gamble, a new rookie’s oath to die on the field for Campbell

The Detroit Lions are calling it full force this season. Fresh off a 15-2 regular season and a playoff run, Dan Campbell’s crew has locked its eyes on the Lombardi. Every pick in this draft has been the perfect fit for the team. Now, in a recent call that quickly went viral, one rookie couldn’t hold back his emotions when talking to HC Dan Campbell. The Rookie? Ahmed Hassanein. The Lions didn’t stumble on picking him.

The 6″2 wrecking ball, then made a promise to HC Dan, “I will die for you, coach,” he said while his eyes were moist. “I just want you to believe in me. I’ll die on that field for you. I promise I will,” Hassanein’s heavy voice choked; the world claimed a lion has cried.

Over his final two seasons with the Broncos, Ahmed racked up a combined 101 tackles and 22 sacks. Besides this, he was the only FBS Defensive Lineman to cross 15 tackles for loss in those seasons. “We acquired him because he plays with his hair on fire… We liked his football character. His work ethic, his passion.” GM Brad Holmes said after this 6th position pick. He further added, “And when I say win rushes, it’s not just getting a sack. You can win a rush just by harassment and power and collapsing the pocket and just sheer effort.” 

Just minutes after the biggest call of his life, Hassanein made another bold move: He proposed to his long-time girlfriend, making his unforgettable day even more special. The young lad has signed up for too many things altogether; first, a promise to the coach and then a lifelong duty to fulfill. Can this lion become the king of the jungle, or will the commitments become a burden on that young shoulder? Do let us know your thoughts as we wish this boy-turned-man all the best for his future.