DETROIT — Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is taking the Detroit Lions’ preseason by storm.
The Lions moved up in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select TeSlaa out of Arkansas and the Michigan native has quickly become a favorite with standout moments in each of Detroit’s preseason games.
In his third time out with the Lions, TeSlaa delivered another eye-catching grab against the Miami Dolphins, nabbing a heavily-contested throw from Kyle Allen for a touchdown.
Impressive catches are becoming a norm for TeSlaa during preseason, who has now caught eight passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns across his three games.
Making the transition to the NFL — which has looked almost seamless so far — doesn’t come as a surprise for people that know TeSlaa, including Dolphins wide receiver and ex-Arkansas teammate Andrew Armstrong.
“He’s just always ready to go no matter what it is, no matter what time it is,” Armstrong told MLive. “When his number’s called, he’s ready to go out there and do what he has to do.”
Armstrong and TeSlaa were teammates in 2023 and 2024 with the Razorbacks after transferring into the program right around the same time from Texas A&M-Commerce and Hillsdale, respectively.
Despite being the Razorbacks’ leading receiver last season — amassing 1,140 yards to TeSlaa’s 546 — Armstrong went undrafted and signed with Miami on May 9.
Unlike many NFL reunions between former college teammates that often happen just before or after a regular-season game, TeSlaa and Armstrong got the benefit of seeing each other during joint practices in Allen Park in the buildup to the game.
Armstrong said he had been in contact with TeSlaa before he made it up to Detroit, planning for them to reunite and take a picture together.
Even though it was against his team, Armstrong couldn’t help but give props to his former teammate for making another big play early on in his NFL career.
“Hey, it was a great catch, a great touchdown for him, man. Proud of him,” Armstrong said. “Glad he’s over here having success right now. It’s been a great thing to watch.”
TeSlaa’s continued excellence on the field for the Lions in preseason has been one of the highlights for a team that returns the majority of its offensive production from last season.
The expected stars of the Lions offense like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs haven’t been active in preseason games, giving someone like TeSlaa plenty of chances to win over coaches, teammates and fans.
Making exciting plays at Ford Field, sporting vintage Lions gear and staying out late after practice to sign autographs and meet fans is becoming the trademark of Detroit’s new receiver.
“It’s cool. I mean, I was here in 2018 for the Michigan state championship...and I remember walking out of that tunnel, and being like, ‘This is the coolest moment of my life.’ And I go out there, I think I had a passing touchdown, two rushing touchdowns, a couple of interceptions, and I’m like, ‘Man, that’s the coolest moment of my life,’” TeSlaa said after Saturday’s game. “Then I get drafted by the Lions, that’s the coolest moment of my life. Now I’m walking out of the tunnel as a Lion, score a touchdown, I mean I’m just so blessed. So thankful to God he’s been so faithful to me.”
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