George Lamons, 7-Foot, 250-Pound No. 1 Prospect, Inks $80 Million Deal with Las Vegas Raiders — Rejects Tennessee, Georgia, and College Football..
George Lamons, 7-Foot, 250-Pound No. 1 Prospect, Inks $80 Million Deal with Las Vegas Raiders — Rejects Tennessee, Georgia, and College Football
In a move that has stunned the football world, George Lamons — the 7-foot, 250-pound phenom widely regarded as the No. 1 football player in America — has signed a record-breaking $80 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, bypassing college football altogether. With powerhouse programs like Tennessee and Georgia in hot pursuit, Lamons’ decision to go pro straight from high school and land with the Raiders marks one of the most dramatic shifts in football recruitment history.
The announcement came via a live-streamed press conference held in his hometown of Las Vegas. Lamons stepped onto the stage wearing a sleek silver-and-black Raiders suit, proudly declaring, “This is home. I was born in Las Vegas, and I’m going to build my legacy right here.”
At just 18 years old, Lamons is already being hailed as a generational talent. Standing an imposing 7 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, he combines the raw power of an elite defensive end with the speed and agility of a tight end. His high school stats were jaw-dropping: 29 sacks, 112 tackles, 5 touchdowns as a red-zone target, and countless plays that broke the internet with their sheer athleticism.
For months, his recruitment was at the center of national media attention. Tennessee and Georgia were considered the top contenders, with both programs offering full scholarships, multi-million-dollar NIL opportunities, and the chance to anchor their defensive lines. Georgia, known for producing NFL-caliber defenders, made an aggressive push. Tennessee, riding the momentum of a top-10 finish and a rebuilt defense, hoped Lamons would be their missing piece.
But Lamons shocked everyone when he turned down the traditional NCAA route.
“This isn’t just about football,” Lamons said. “It’s about blazing a new path. I respect the college game, but when the Raiders came with a real vision — not just the money, but a long-term plan to make me a centerpiece of their franchise — I knew it was time to take a leap of faith.”
The $80 million deal is reportedly structured as a hybrid contract under a special developmental program negotiated by Lamons’ agents, the Raiders, and league officials. While NFL rules typically prevent high schoolers from entering the draft, legal loopholes, unique clauses, and Lamons’ market value created an unprecedented opportunity.
Raiders GM Tom Telesco confirmed the signing in a statement: “George Lamons is not only the future of the Las Vegas Raiders — he’s the future of the NFL. We’ve never seen a player like him come out of high school, physically or mentally. We’re committed to his growth and development at the highest level.”
The contract includes performance bonuses, mentorship from veterans, and guaranteed time in the team’s state-of-the-art facilities to develop under NFL supervision. Sources close to the Raiders say Lamons will be slowly introduced into live action, possibly appearing in select games in his rookie season.
Reactions across the football world have been mixed. Many celebrate Lamons as a trailblazer challenging an outdated system that forces elite players through years of unpaid college play. Others question whether he’s ready for the physical toll of the NFL.
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan praised the decision on national television: “He’s a unicorn. If you’ve got a 7-foot defensive end with moves like Von Miller and the mindset of Ray Lewis — you don’t wait. You get him now. The Raiders just pulled off the steal of the century.”
Meanwhile, fans in Tennessee and Georgia are left shocked and disappointed. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed respect but couldn’t hide his frustration: “We put everything into recruiting George. He’s a game-changer. But I respect his choice, and I wish him well.”
Tennessee fans flooded social media with a mix of admiration and disbelief. One tweet read, “We lost the most dominant player in a decade — not to Georgia, but to the NFL? Unreal.”
Beyond the field, Lamons is known for his leadership and maturity. He’s often spoken about representing Las Vegas youth and giving back to his community. His mother, Sheila Lamons, stood proudly at the press conference and said, “George has always walked his own path. He’s doing this not just for himself, but to show other kids that anything is possible.”
In an age of NIL deals and changing player rights, Lamons’ decision could have massive ripple effects. College programs may now have to fend off professional suitors for elite talent earlier than ever before. Analysts are already debating if this will open the door for more direct-to-NFL deals, especially for rare physical talents like Lamons.
As the Raiders gear up for a new era, all eyes will be on George Lamons. Can the teenage phenom live up to the unprecedented hype? Can he handle the jump from high school to pro-level competition?
One thing is certain: George Lamons has already made history — and the football world will never be the same.
