• Sat. Feb 15th, 2025

Building for the Future: Vaki’s Rookie Insights Will Fuel Year 2 Success Sione Vaki’s rookie season was filled with crucial lessons that will drive his success in Year 2. From gaining deeper game awareness to improving his preparation, he’s on track to contribute even more next season.

ByEsther Godwin

Jan 27, 2025

Sione Vaki’s distinctive path from the University of Utah to the NFL was widely covered last year when the Lions selected the safety-turned-running back in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

Though Vaki found himself behind David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Craig Reynolds in Detroit’s backfield rotation, he still managed to make an impact as a rookie by becoming a key special teams player.
“Yeah, well that’s what first stood out is we thought he was one of the better special teams players in this entire Draft, all four phases of special teams,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after selecting Vaki 132nd overall last year. “Especially with some of the changes that are coming about, he’s really – he’s starting to come to life even more.”

Holmes was accurate, as Vaki ended up leading the Lions in special teams tackles with eight and also forced a fumble. Vaki fully embraced his special teams role and recognizes its importance. One of his goals for next season is to be a Pro Bowler on special teams, a goal not often found on a young player’s list, further emphasizing how unique Vaki is.

He had limited involvement in Detroit’s backfield, totaling 14 rushing yards on six attempts and catching all three of his targets for 37 yards. The Lions see potential in him there, and he could vie for a larger role next season behind Gibbs and Montgomery. However, even if that doesn’t happen, Vaki could still become one of the top special teams players in the NFL moving forward, which holds significant value, especially playing for a coach like Dan Campbell, who places a premium on special teams play.

Vaki shared that his rookie season was a valuable learning experience, with one of the most impactful lessons coming from a conversation with Reynolds early on.

“When it comes to Craig … I really learned that when it comes to special teams, have a role but when they call your number, be ready and go above and beyond what they ask you for,” Vaki said. “Overall, I’m grateful for everything that happened this year. Just excited for next year.” Vaki is eager to make an even bigger impact in Year 2, whether that’s on special teams, offense, or both.

“Being able to understand the game and every detail that goes along with it. Situation ball, down and distance and things like that,” he said. “Being able to study film and understand how to study film. All those small things I learned throughout the year are really going to help me for Year 2.

“I want to come back poised and calm and ready for any challenge. Prepared. Understanding it’s going to be hard, but knowing I’ve been through the situation before. Really just trying to contribute to the team. Whether it being trying to be on offense or just balling out on special teams. Whatever that role is.”

 

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