Former BYU DL Tomasi Laulile Records Pick-Six In XFL Season Opener
Feb 18, 2023, 4:11 PM | Updated: Feb 25, 2023, 5:59 pm
The Vegas Vipers and the Arlington Renegades play during the first half at Choctaw Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU football defensive lineman Tomasi Laulile jumped a route for an interception and returned the ball for a touchdown during the 2023 XFL season opener.
The Laulile and the Arlington Renegades hosted the Vegas Vipers at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, February 18.
With a little over nine minutes remaining in the third quarter, the former BYU standout picked off Vegas’ quarterback and returned the ball 23 yards for a Renegades touchdown.
After trailing 14-3, Laulile’s score gave Arlington its first touchdown of the new XFL season.
First pick-six of the @XFL2023 season is a big man TD 😤 @XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/YZ7XhWdi3I
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 18, 2023
Later in the contest, the Renegades recorded another interception returned for a touchdown to extend their lead.
Arlington held off the Vipers in the final minute to capture a 22-20 victory.
With the win, the Renegades opened the 2023 XFL season with a 1-0 record.
.@XFLRenegades GET THE PICK SIX‼️
Arlington leads 22-14 late in the 4th. pic.twitter.com/hg28GzAk1X
— ESPN (@espn) February 18, 2023
Arlington’s next game is on the road against the Houston Roughnecks on Sunday, February 26. The game will be played at TDECU Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (MDT) and the game will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
RELATED: Locals In The XFL: Here’s Who You’ll See In League’s Reboot
Always has been https://t.co/pRxxP5ehd7
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) February 18, 2023
RELATED STORIES
2023 XFL Teams
North Division
- D.C. Defenders
- Seattle Sea Dragons
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- Vegas Vipers
South Division
- Arlington Renegades
- Houston Roughnecks
- Orlando Guardians
- San Antonio Brahmas
About the XFL
In April 2020, the XFL suspended league operations and terminated its employees amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 12 former college football players from the state of Utah were on active 52-man rosters in the eight-team league. Along with the 12 players, former BYU and Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats.
In 2019, another football league, the American Alliance of Football, folded before the completion of its inaugural season.
After the XFL suspended operations, new ownership purchased the league. The group is led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
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. He recorded 47 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and six quarterback hits during his BYU career.
Before his time in the XFL, Laulile spent time in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers.
Last year, Laulile played in the USFL as a member of the Houston Gamblers.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
