Felt Like Fate': How a Heartbreaking Colts Cut Sent Jonah Laulu Home to Help the Raiders

“Felt Like Fate”: How a Heartbreaking Colts Cut Sent Jonah Laulu Home to Help the Raiders” centers on Jonah Laulu’s rapid turnaround after the Indianapolis Colts released him. A 26-year-old defensive tackle born and raised in Las Vegas, Laulu was a notable star at Centennial High School and previously played at Oklahoma. The Colts cut him on August 27, 2024, after selecting him in the 2024 seventh round. About 24 hours later, the Raiders signed him, returning him to his hometown roster. In Las Vegas, Laulu’s mother, Paolo, described the move as feeling like fate and said it reaffirmed his Samoan heritage and community support. Statistically, Laulu improved from 435 snaps as a rookie to 764 last season, recording four sacks and 25 quarterback pressures. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 289 pounds, he fits into Rob Leonard’s 3-4 scheme as a right defensive end.