Detroit Lions’ rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong dream. As he prepares for his NFL debut, the excitement is palpable. This exclusive Q&A delves into TeSlaa’s thoughts on his upcoming first game, his experiences in training camp, and his perspective on playing alongside quarterback Jared Goff. Lions fans are eager to see what the young receiver can bring to the team, and this interview offers a glimpse into his mindset and preparation.
TeSlaa’s journey from training camp to the active roster has been marked by steady progress and a willingness to learn. He’s embraced the opportunity to absorb knowledge from veteran players and coaches, honing his skills and understanding of the Lions’ offense. Now, as he stands on the verge of his first NFL game, TeSlaa is focused on making an impact and contributing to the team’s success. Let’s dive into what Isaac TeSlaa had to say.
Excitement for NFL Debut
Isaac TeSlaa expressed immense enthusiasm for his first NFL game, stating,
“Man, I can’t wait. It’s been a dream of mine, obviously, my entire life. Especially, you know, to play in Lambeau. The environment there is just unbelievable. To have that as my first game, I mean, it’s really just a dream. A dream come true.”
This highlights his lifelong ambition and the significance of playing at a historic venue like Lambeau Field.
TeSlaa’s anticipation underscores the importance of this moment in his career. Playing in a stadium renowned for its passionate fans and rich history adds an extra layer of excitement. For a young player entering the league, this experience is invaluable and sets the stage for his future NFL journey. He also shared that Lambeau Field is unbelievable.
Training Camp Experience
Reflecting on training camp, TeSlaa described it as a period of significant growth:
“It was really just a time of growth for me to kind of figure out who I am as a receiver, how I fit into this offense. Really, just how I can help out the team, whether it’s on offense, or on special teams, just finding my role. I think it was a great time for me to grow and find my role on this team.”
Training camp provided TeSlaa with the opportunity to define his identity as a receiver and understand his role within the team. This period allowed him to explore his capabilities and identify areas for improvement. By focusing on both offensive and special teams contributions, TeSlaa demonstrated his commitment to the team’s overall success.
Opportunity in the Offense
TeSlaa discussed his approach to the opportunity of being involved in the Lions’ offense. “When the opportunity comes for me to go out on the field and make a play, I’m just going to make sure I do all my preparation work, so I’m ready to get out there. And if the ball’s ever thrown my way to make a play. Or outside of that, just making sure I’m doing my job.” This shows his dedication to preparation and readiness to perform when called upon.
His focus on preparation and fulfilling his responsibilities reflects a team-first mentality. By prioritizing his preparation, TeSlaa ensures he is ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way. This approach demonstrates his commitment to contributing to the team’s success in any way possible.
Matching Up Against Defensive Backs
TeSlaa shared his experiences of practicing against the Lions’ defensive backs:
“Even during training camp and stuff, when we did one-on-ones I was working against the ones. Obviously you know, I got some reps with the first-team as well. You know, we’re doing a lot of scout team stuff right now. So, there’s been a couple of good-on-good periods, but mostly scout team stuff right away.”
This reveals his exposure to top-tier talent and his involvement in scout team duties.
Facing the first-team defense during training camp provided TeSlaa with valuable experience against high-caliber opponents. His participation in scout team activities further contributes to his development by allowing him to simulate opposing offenses and defenses. This exposure enhances his understanding of the game and prepares him for various in-game scenarios.
Development and Learning
When asked about the next step in his development, TeSlaa emphasized the importance of learning from experienced players and coaches:
“The biggest thing for me is always, just watching the guys ahead of me. How they work and just learning from them. Obviously, in the meeting rooms, listening to coach Montgomery. And then when I get home, we always cut ups to look through. I’m studying DB’s, the defense, kind of their tendencies and stuff like that.”
TeSlaa’s commitment to continuous learning underscores his desire to improve and contribute to the team’s success. By observing veteran players, listening to coaches, and studying film, he actively seeks to expand his knowledge and understanding of the game. This dedication to learning will undoubtedly benefit him throughout his NFL career.
Pregame Routine
TeSlaa shared his pregame routine, which includes listening to music and consuming caffeine. He elaborated on his music preferences:
“I’m a big classic rock guy. And then sometimes, I’ll listen to Brandon Lake, a good Christian artist. Just, you know, getting me in the right mindset.”
This provides insight into his methods for preparing mentally and physically for games.
His music choices reflect his diverse tastes and his focus on achieving the right mindset before games. By combining classic rock with Christian music, TeSlaa creates a pregame atmosphere that helps him relax, focus, and get mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. The Lions will be keen to see him ready to contribute.
Catching Balls from Jared Goff
TeSlaa described his impression of catching passes from quarterback Jared Goff:
“Yeah, absolutely. That would be the first thing I would say is just the command of the huddle that he has. He’s extremely knowledgeable. Even when he’s making checks at the line, you can tell, he knows exactly what’s going on with the defense. I think that’s what you want as a quarterback. Someone who really knows everything about not only the offense, but the defense and can, you know, be a great leader for us. Obviously, he’s a captain. So, I think that’s just a testament to who he is as a person and a quarterback.”
TeSlaa’s praise for Goff highlights the quarterback’s leadership and expertise. Goff’s command of the huddle, knowledge of the defense, and ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage demonstrate his experience and understanding of the game. These qualities make him an effective leader and a valuable asset to the Lions’ offense.
Conclusion
Isaac TeSlaa’s Q&A provides valuable insights into his mindset as he approaches his NFL debut. His excitement, dedication to learning, and appreciation for his teammates and coaches paint a picture of a young player poised for success. As he steps onto the field, Lions fans can expect a prepared and motivated athlete ready to contribute to the team’s efforts.
With his debut on the horizon, Isaac TeSlaa embodies the qualities of a promising NFL player. His journey from training camp to the active roster has been marked by growth, learning, and a strong work ethic. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he is poised to make a significant impact on the Detroit Lions and contribute to the team’s success for years to come. The Lions will kick off the season soon!
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