Former UCLA Bruin Laiatu Latu had lofty expectations entering the 2024 season. The first defensive player drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, all eyes were on the Indianapolis Colts defensive end Latu and his early output. On Sunday, he delivered against the Chicago Bears.
In the fourth quarter, former USC Trojan Caleb Williams was mounting a comeback against the Colts down 14-9. But a perfectly-timed strip-sack from Latu set the Colts up in the red zone, leading to the game-sealing touchdown and an Indianapolis win. Latu’s first career sack, tackle, and forced fumble, Latu checked several boxes in only one play.
What made me the happiest was that I got to create the turnover in their own red zone with score what it was,” Latu said of his play and performance, per Amanda Foster. “It felt phenomenal… They drafted me for this moment.”
Colts head coach Shane Steichen commended Latu’s play after the game and his relentlessness, saying, “(Latu) was rolling pretty good all game and he was getting close, close, and then finally he got one there at the end.”