Laken Tomlinson

Laken Tomlinson's Biography

Laken Tomlinson, born on February 9, 1992, is a professional offensive guard football player, playing for the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks. A Jamaican-American, Tomlinson’s journey to professional football began in his birth country of Jamaica, specifically in the city of Savanna-la-Mar. The future NFL player moved to the U.S in March 2003, with Chicago, Illinois, becoming his new home. At a young age, he was introduced to the American sports culture, expanding his horizons and paving the way for his future career.

Raised in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, Tomlinson was exposed to diverse cultures and unique life experiences that significantly shaped his life and career. He attended the Lane Technical College Prep High School, enjoying a fruitful high school career where he was a two-sport star – football and track. Tomlinson’s prowess in football earned him All-state honors in his senior year, courtesy of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and the Chicago Tribune. Proving himself as an asset to his team, he was named MVP in his senior year. However, this wasn’t the only highlight of Tomlinson’s high school football career. He particularly shone throughout his time at Lane, earning All-city titles twice and earning first-team All-conference selection four times. His skills played a central role in leading his school team to the 2008 Chicago Public League football championship.

In addition to his football accomplishments, Tomlinson was equally talented in track & field, another area where he lettered at Lane. His throws at the 2009 Chicago Public League T&F Championship further escalated his track reputation – he came first in discus throw and second in shot put. In the 2009 Illinois 3A State T&F Championship meet, Tomlinson recorded personal bests of 43.01m in discus and 14.58m in shot put, outdoing his competitors and adding more accolades to his name.

Following high school, Tomlinson became a Blue Devil, heading to Duke University for college football from 2010 to 2014. His impeccable skills earned him a starting position during his freshman season, and he started 52 games throughout his tenure. The Walter Camp Football Foundation recognized Tomlinson’s exceptional skill and contributions to his college team, naming him an All-American in his senior year. He further proved his athletic prowess by winning the Anthony J. McKevlin Award and being named the men’s ACC Athlete of the Year in 2015.

Tomlinson’s skills didn’t go unnoticed at the professional level. He was selected in the first round as the 28th overall pick by the Detroit Lions during the 2015 NFL Draft. This marked an essential milestone in Tomlinson’s career, as he became the first player from Duke chosen in the first round of NFL Draft since Mike Junkin in 1987.

Inevitably, the trajectory of Tomlinson’s professional career experienced some shifts. On August 31, 2017, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick. He started 15 games throughout his introductory season after missing the season opener. Following the 49ers declining the fifth-year option on his contract, Tomlinson was set to become a free agent in 2019. However, he signed a three-year contract extension with the 49ers in June 2018, securing $18 million with $10 million guaranteed.

Tomlinson’s professional journey led him to a new destination, the New York Jets, with whom he signed a three-year contract on March 17, 2022. Although released by the Jets on February 26, 2024, Tomlinson continued to hold his place in professional football. On April 15, 2024, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, eager to bring his skills to the Pacific Northwest and continue making his mark in the National Football League.