kuiper999 Tuli Tupulotu hails Khalil Mack as role model for Lightning’s veteran linebacker

LA Chargers linebacker Tuli Tupulotu, 22, has revealed he’s willing to emulate the play of Lightning veteran Khalil Mack, 34, according to NFL Network. kuiper999

Tupulotu, a former second-round pick in the 2023 draft class, is set to step into the starting role after Joey Bosa left the team this offseason. He intends to make opponents feel equal pressure on both sides of the pitch by taking his game to the next level alongside Mack, a 34-year-old player who is considered his standard. 

“My standard is to play like Khalil, he’s the standard,” Tupulotu said. “I try my best not to get out of the game like Khalil is here, let’s slide to him.”

‘We need to get two edge rushers on the side where we can both come in and dominate the game. They don’t know who to slide, who to double, who to chip. He’s the standard. That’s what I’m after.’

Tupulotu had 8.5 sacks last season, a Chargers-high, two more than Mack, who had six sacks in 11 starts, two more than his rookie season.

“I feel like every year I come in, it’s going to be a big year,” the 22-year-old linebacker said. “That was my mindset when I came in last year, and it’s going to be the same mindset when I come in this year.” 

‘Honestly, I’ve been playing since my rookie season, and if my role is this year, I’ll feel the same way.’  ( kuiper999 )