New Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa described his Draft night phone call: “I see a 313 number, and I just about passed out.” “I am sure you saw the video my mother uploaded. She’s all thrilled; she got a million or so views and some followers, so she believes she’s an influencer now,” he said

Isaac TeSlaa’s Dream Becomes Reality: From D-II Star to Lions Wide Receiver

On the night of the NFL Draft, phones across the country rang with life-changing calls. For Isaac TeSlaa, a wide receiver from the University of Nebraska at Kearney who finished his collegiate career at Arkansas, the moment came in the form of a phone number starting with 313 — the unmistakable area code for Detroit.

“I see a 313 number, and I just about passed out,” TeSlaa recalled, describing the surreal rush of emotion as the Detroit Lions reached out. After years of perseverance, hard work, and a less-than-linear football journey, his NFL dream had just taken a giant leap forward.

But while TeSlaa was still processing the magnitude of the moment, someone else in the household was already celebrating — his mother.

“I’m sure you saw the video my mom posted. She’s all excited, she got a million-some views on it, she got some followers, so she thinks she’s an influencer now,” TeSlaa said with a laugh during his first press appearance as a Detroit Lion. That candid, heartwarming moment — captured by a proud parent and shared with the world — offered a window into a night of emotion, family, and validation for one of the most unlikely paths to the NFL in this year’s draft class.

From Small School to the Big Time

TeSlaa’s journey to the NFL isn’t the conventional Power 5-to-pros story we hear so often. The 6-foot-4 receiver began his college career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a Division II school where he showcased exceptional athleticism, work ethic, and a knack for big plays. In 2022, he posted 68 receptions for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning All-American honors and drawing the attention of bigger programs.

He entered the transfer portal and landed at the University of Arkansas for the 2023 season. While his production dropped in a crowded and more competitive SEC environment — 23 catches for 338 yards — scouts took note of his route-running, physicality, and special teams potential. He might not have lit up stat sheets, but TeSlaa showed traits that translate to the next level.

It was enough to earn him pre-draft workouts with several teams, including the Lions, who saw something in the hard-nosed receiver with the build of a prototypical outside target.

A Draft Weekend Surprise

TeSlaa wasn’t among the high-profile names on draft boards, and many analysts projected him as a potential undrafted free agent. But Detroit had other plans. They saw a player who not only could compete for a roster spot but also embodied the grit and underdog mentality the franchise has embraced under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.

When the call came from Detroit — with the now-famous 313 area code — TeSlaa knew his life had changed.

“You try to prepare yourself for it,” he said, “but when it actually happens, there’s no way to describe that feeling.”

The call, and the moment it was received, quickly became internet gold thanks to his mother’s reaction. In the now-viral video she posted to social media, the family erupts in cheers and tears as TeSlaa answers the phone, holding back emotion while trying to keep his composure.

“Mom was definitely the star of the night,” TeSlaa joked. “She’s always been my biggest supporter. I don’t know if she’s ready for the influencer life, though.”

Embracing the Motor City

Detroit has emerged in recent seasons as one of the NFL’s most exciting and beloved teams, blending a blue-collar attitude with explosive talent on both sides of the ball. The Lions’ fanbase, long-starved for success, is as passionate as ever — and they’ve quickly taken a liking to TeSlaa’s story.

Fans flooded the comments of his mom’s video with messages of support and excitement. “Welcome to Detroit!” one user wrote. “He’s got that Dan Campbell energy,” said another, referencing the head coach known for his motivational style and no-nonsense demeanor.

TeSlaa, for his part, seems eager to embrace the opportunity and the city.

“I’m just thankful to be part of this organization,” he said. “The Lions have built something special, and I’m ready to go to work.”

What He Brings to the Table

At 6’4” and over 210 pounds, TeSlaa brings a combination of size, strength, and high-point ability that could make him a valuable red zone target. His time in Arkansas gave him a taste of SEC competition, but it’s his D-II background that shaped his mentality.

“I never had anything handed to me,” he said. “I had to fight for every rep, every opportunity. I think that’s prepared me for the next level.”

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is known for his creative schemes and ability to maximize talent. While the Lions boast an already impressive receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, TeSlaa could carve out a role on special teams or as a situational receiver.

“He’s a physical player, willing blocker, and he’s hungry,” one team source said. “That’s the kind of guy who finds a way onto a roster.”

The Bigger Picture

TeSlaa’s story is more than just a heartwarming moment on Draft night — it’s a testament to the depth of talent in college football and the importance of belief, both self-belief and the belief others invest in you.

Players from non-traditional football powerhouses often get overlooked, but every year the league is reminded that talent and determination can be found anywhere — from Division I juggernauts to Division II diamonds.

For TeSlaa, that belief came from his family first. Then from his coaches. And finally, from a franchise that believed enough to make a call that would change everything.

“You never forget the people who believed in you when others didn’t,” TeSlaa said. “That call from Detroit? That’s something I’ll remember forever.”

What’s Next?

As rookie minicamp gets underway, TeSlaa knows the real work has just begun. Making an NFL roster is no easy feat, and the competition will be fierce. But if his journey so far is any indication, TeSlaa won’t be fazed.

“I’ve always been about proving people wrong,” he said. “Now I get to prove the Lions right.”

One thing’s for sure: Detroit fans will be watching — and so will Mom.

“She’s already asking about tickets,” TeSlaa said with a smile. “I told her, if she keeps going viral, maybe she can buy her own.”