Former BYU DL Recovers Fumbles, Returns One For TD In USFL Game
May 22, 2022, 5:35 PM | Updated: Feb 25, 2023, 6:29 pm
Tomasi Laulile #48 of the Brigham Young Cougars sacks quarterback Patrick Tyler #3 of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU defensive lineman Tomasi Laulile recovered a pair of fumbles and returned one for a touchdown during a USFL game between the Houston Gamblers and New Jersey Generals.
Laulile and the Gamblers were hosted by the Generals at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday, May 22.
Shortly before halftime with the Generals owning a 14-13 lead, Houston’s Chris Odom forced a fumble in the backfield and Laulile scooped up the pigskin for his first fumble recovery of the contest.
.@Chrisodom98 with the forced fumble✔️
Tomasi Laulile with the pick up ✔️📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/we6UKCCRfI
— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) May 22, 2022
The play resulted in the former BYU standout being rewarded with a “turnover chain” on the sideline.
BIG DAWG STATUS ⛓🐶 pic.twitter.com/alSouIfeQt
— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) May 22, 2022
Later in the game, Houston found itself down 20-19 and in need of another big play with only six minutes left on the game clock.
The Generals fumbled the ball again and Laulile picked it up before returning the football 54 yards to the end zone for a Gamblers touchdown.
🚨BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN🚨
Tomasi Laulile finds the end zone after another forced fumble from @Chrisodom98
📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/fDIcJ6QdJh
— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) May 22, 2022
Laulile’s score put Houston up 25-20.
Unfortunately for Laulile and the Gamblers, the Generals scored with two seconds left in the game and came away with a 26-25 victory.
Laulile finished the game with one tackle, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.
Give that man the turnover chain ⛓🔥 pic.twitter.com/3SpFgdq3SX
— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) May 22, 2022
RELATED STORIES
With the one-point loss, Laulile and the Gamblers fell to a 1-5 record this season.
Houston’s next game is against the Philadelphia Stars on Sunday, May 29 at 4 p.m. (MDT). The game will be streamed via Peacock.
About Tomasi Laulile
Prior to his time as a professional football player, Laulile played at BYU from 2013-16.
During his time with the Cougars, the Westlake, California native played in 33 games.
Before his time in the USFL, Laulile spent time in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
