Isaac TeSlaa Gets Emotional About Ford Field Debut: “I’m a Crier for Sure”

Isaac TeSlaa says he’s bracing for the emotions when he runs out of the tunnel at Ford Field for the first time this Sunday.

“So many things had to be right for me to even play on this team… I’ll be emotional for sure,” TeSlaa said. “I’m a crier for sure.”

The rookie wide receiver will be playing his first regular-season game in front of the home crowd after a whirlwind debut week that saw him flash star potential on one of his only opportunities.

Mentorship from Amon-Ra St. Brown

TeSlaa credited veteran Amon-Ra St. Brown for helping guide him through his first NFL weeks.

“He’s a lead-by-example guy… just the way he works is something I want to emulate in my game,” TeSlaa said.

That mentorship was on display during his Week 1 touchdown, St. Brown ran over to secure the ball and make sure the referees reviewed the play. TeSlaa also joked that St. Brown keeps him in line on “rookie snack duty,” saying, “Saint loves a sweet tea. When he doesn’t have his sweet tea, he gets a little cranky.”

From One Play to a Bigger Role

TeSlaa only played three offensive snaps in his NFL debut, but one was a one-handed, toe-tap touchdown that became a viral highlight. On fourth-and-3 late in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field, he leapt over Packers corner Carrington Valentine and pulled in a ridiculous grab, initially ruled incomplete before review overturned it.

Head coach Dan Campbell said TeSlaa’s limited workload was due to illness during practice week, but that will change now.

“Certainly, we’d like to use him more… there’s something there,” Campbell said. “He was only in for three plays on offense but did a good job on those three… we’re going to start trying to get him some reps.”

With Detroit’s offense sputtering in Week 1, getting TeSlaa more involved could add a needed spark. He has now scored in four straight games dating back to the preseason.

From Hudsonville to the NFL

TeSlaa’s journey makes this home debut especially meaningful. The Hudsonville, Michigan native was a multi-sport standout at Unity Christian High, quarterbacking his school to its first-ever state title and graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

Overlooked by major programs, he starred at Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas, where he became one of the SEC’s most efficient deep threats. After impressing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, the Lions selected him with the 70th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Now, after turning heads in training camp and preseason, he’s on the verge of a bigger role, and a potentially emotional welcome at Ford Field.