Isaiah Pola-Mao is thriving with the Las Vegas Raiders
USC has had more than 500 players selected in the NFL draft. Yet, one of the better Trojans in the league this season is a player who was not drafted at all. Despite being a three-year starter and two-time team captain at USC, Trojan safety Isaiah Pola-Mao did not hear his name called in the 2022 NFL draft. Instead, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.
Although he arrived with little fanfare, Pola-Mao made a strong impression in Vegas, making the team and appearing in 11 games as a rookie. His role has grown over the past two years, and he has seen action in every game thus far this season for Vegas.
The 2024 season has been Pola-Mao's most productive one as a pro to date. Through 15 games, he ranks third on the team with 76 tackles, while also adding three passes defended and a sack.
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, Pola-Mao had by far the best game of his NFL career thus far. He recorded 11 tackles and forced two fumbles in the Raiders' 19-14 win. For his performance, Pola-Mao was named AFC defensive player of the week.
When Pola-Mao arrived at USC back in 2017, he did so with immense expectations due to him being the nephew of Trojan and NFL legend Troy Polamalu. Now, Pola-Mao is continuing to carry on his uncle's football legacy.
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