Laken Tomlinson facts for kids
![]() Tomlinson with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019
|
|||||
No. 75 – Houston Texans | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position: | Guard | ||||
Personal information | |||||
Born: | Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica |
February 9, 1992 ||||
Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||
Weight: | 323 lb (147 kg) | ||||
Career information | |||||
High school: | Lane Tech (Chicago, Illinois) | ||||
College: | Duke (2010–2014) | ||||
NFL Draft: | 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28 | ||||
Career history | |||||
|
|||||
Roster status: | Active | ||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||
|
|||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2024 | |||||
|
|||||
Player stats at PFR |
Laken Tomlinson (born February 9, 1992) is a professional football player. He plays as a guard for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Duke Blue Devils. The Detroit Lions chose him in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Contents
Early Life and Sports Beginnings
Laken Tomlinson was born in Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica. In March 2003, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Rogers Park area.
High School Achievements
Laken went to Lane Technical College Prep High School. He was a talented athlete in both football and track. As a senior, he was chosen as an All-state player. He was also named his team's Most Valuable Player. He helped his high school team win the Chicago Public League football championship in 2008.
In track and field, Laken was also very good. He won first place in the discus throw at the 2009 Chicago Public League T&F Championship. He also placed second in the shot put at the same event.
College Football Career
Laken Tomlinson attended Duke University from 2010 to 2014. He quickly became a starter in his first year. He started 52 games during his time playing college football.
Awards and Recognition
In his senior year, Laken was named an All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. This is a big honor for college football players. In 2015, he also won the Anthony J. McKevlin Award. This award recognizes the best male athlete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Professional Football Journey
Laken Tomlinson began his professional career in 2015. He has played for several teams in the NFL.
Detroit Lions Draft Pick
The Detroit Lions picked Laken Tomlinson in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He was the 28th player chosen overall. He was the first player from Duke University to be picked in the first round since 1987. He played for the Lions in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Time with the San Francisco 49ers

On August 31, 2017, Laken was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He started 15 games at left guard for the 49ers in 2017. In June 2018, he signed a new contract with the 49ers. He played for the team until the end of the 2021 season.
Playing for the New York Jets
On March 17, 2022, Laken Tomlinson signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets. He played for the Jets during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He was released by the Jets in February 2024.
Short Stint with the Seattle Seahawks
In April 2024, Laken Tomlinson signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He played for them during the 2024 season.
Joining the Houston Texans
On March 18, 2025, Laken Tomlinson signed with his current team, the Houston Texans. He continues to play as a guard for them.