Former Sooners DT Jonah Laulu is continuing to prove everyone wrong in the best way possible by being Raiders' biggest surprise
The Las Vegas Raiders took a flier on former Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jonah Laulu by signing him to their practice squad and then letting him fight for a role on the 53-man roster. Not only did he fight for a role, but he also took over the starting role next to Adam Butler, which was left open after the release of Christian Wilkins.
He's had an amazing season, and on Sunday, he had one of his best games. The Raiders PR staff tweeted out some impressive accolades that Laulu now has that not many can say they do.
Raiders DT Jonah Laulu and his 2025 stats
- Laulu has 4.5 sacks through six games.
- Third-most pressures on the team with seven, behind Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
- Has one pass batted down at the line of scrimmage to disrupt a play, as compared to Crosby's three.
- Has a 0% Broken Tackle + Missed Tackle Rate
Raiders DT Jonah Laulu is doing what hasn't been done since 1986
"DT Jonah Laulu brings down TEN QB Cam Ward for a sack and a loss of nine yards. Laulu now has a career-high 4.0 sacks in 2025, the third most in the NFL among interior defensive linemen. DT Jonah Laulu is the first Raiders defensive tackle to record four sacks in his first six games of a single season since Bill Pickel in 1986 (4.5)." - Raiders PR Staff
Laulu is playing like one of the best defensive tackles in the league right now. Initially, he was just looked at as a guy who could be a space eater in the run game, and a guy who could take on blockers to free up guys like Adam Butler and Maxx Crosby. But that's not been the case at all.
Teams are doubling Crosby, like crazy, and Laulu is taking advantage of that.
“I can’t lie. Jonah is a special talent, dude can play. He doesn’t even know it yet, but he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Crosby said after the Raiders’ first practice of their 2025 training camp.
If anyone knows about playing on the defensive line, whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run, which Crosby is pretty much the best at — it’s him. So, when he says that Laulu is a special player, one hell of a player, actually, and he says so somewhat unprompted — that means something. So far, Laulu is proving Crosby right.
Micah Parsons Turns Down $1 Million Sponsorship, Takes Stand for Farmers’ Rights
GREEN BAY, WI — Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons is making headlines for reasons beyond football. The star athlete recently turned down a $1 million sponsorship offer from one of Alabama’s largest agricultural corporations, citing ethical concerns over the treatment of local farmers. His decision, driven by principles over profit, has quickly gone viral, earning Parsons widespread admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and industry insiders alike.
In a public statement, Parsons said, “I may not be from Alabama, but I won’t take money from companies that profit off the people who feed this nation.” Sources indicate Parsons declined the lucrative deal after learning of allegations that the corporation in question had underpaid farmworkers and imposed predatory contracts on small growers. For Parsons, it was not just about the money—it was about aligning his personal values with the companies he chooses to represent.
"I’ve met farmers who are barely surviving season after season," Parsons shared. "They deserve respect — not exploitation." These words have resonated far beyond sports circles, sparking conversations about corporate responsibility, fair labor practices, and the power of athletes to drive social change. In an era when sponsorship deals often dominate the financial landscape of professional athletes, Parsons’ decision is a rare example of putting ethics above earnings.
Analysts note that while Parsons could have significantly increased his personal income with the deal, his refusal sends a clear message about the kind of role model he aims to be.
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The reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms are abuzz with praise, with many users highlighting Parsons as “a man of integrity who values people over profit.”
This move also aligns with a broader trend in sports, where athletes increasingly use their platforms to champion social, ethical, and community causes. From fair labor practices to environmental concerns, Parsons is among a growing group of players leveraging their influence to shine a light on issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Looking ahead, Parsons’ decision is likely to inspire other athletes and young fans to consider the impact of their choices beyond the scoreboard. For the Packers linebacker, it’s not about the endorsement money—it’s about making a meaningful difference.
As the NFL season continues, Parsons’ leadership off the field is becoming just as notable as his performance on it. His stance on the Alabama agricultural sponsorship may be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career, signaling that true leadership in sports extends far beyond the game itself.
