Two-time All-Big 12 offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai helped the Horned Frogs to all-time offensive heights in 2014-15
74 | OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai (2012-2015)
A three star offensive line prospect out of Haltom High in the Class of 2012, Halapoulivaati Vaitai became a full-time starter for the Horned Frogs in his junior season, taking over at right tackle as the TCU offense transformed into one of the nation’s most prolific units in 2014 and 2015, earning Second Team All-Big 12 both seasons. Big V was a powerful member of an offensive line that would pave the way to TCU all-time single-season records for points (604) and total yards (6,929), starting all 13 games of the 2014 season, including the Peach Bowl victory over Ole Miss.
Vaitai was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in Round 5 of the 2016 NFL Draft, starting six games at right tackle during his rookie campaign. In 2017 he started 13 games for the Eagles, playing every offensive snap of the Playoffs, including the Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots. After four seasons with the Eagles, Vaitai signed with the Detroit Lions where he continued through the 2023 season.