Niko Lalos ’20 Makes NFL Debut with a Flourish

CINCINNATI, Ohio — It wasn't until Sunday morning that former Dartmouth defensive end Niko Lalos '20 got the call. The New York Giants had activated him from the practice squad for active duty that afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first Big Green alumnus to be on an NFL roster in the regular season since Casey Cramer '04 last played for the Tennessee Titans in 2008.

Expected to perhaps get some snaps on special teams, Lalos found himself in the middle of the action in the final minute of the third quarter. Wearing number 57, Lalos was lined up at left end on a 2nd-and-12 play in the final minute of the third quarter with the Giants clinging to a 13-10 lead. A Brandon Allen pass down the middle of the field was broken up by cornerback Darnay Holmes and batted back toward the line of scrimmage. Lalos alertly dove for the deflected throw and caught the ball just before it hit the ground for an interception.

It's your guy, @KingJames ‼️

Watch live: https://t.co/cLanMzBpPN pic.twitter.com/mZopwzlfmV
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 29, 2020

The pickoff led to a field goal for a 16-10 lead, which proved to be crucial in the 19-17 victory for New York.

The interception was the first for a former Dartmouth player in the NFL since linebacker Zack Walz '98 picked off a pass by Washington's Jeff George for the Arizona Cardinals on the final play before halftime just over 20 years ago on Nov. 5, 2000 in a 16-15 victory for the Cardinals.

Lalos' promotion to the active roster was noticed by his high school alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary, which in turn led to one of its more famous alums, LeBron James, to wish the rookie well in his NFL debut.

Good luck out there Niko! 🙏🏾💪🏾👑#IrishPride🍀 https://t.co/Rpd3UHwOXE
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 29, 2020

Lalos was a member of the All-Ivy League First Team and the Division I All-New England Team at defensive end as a senior in the fall of 2019 by recording 35 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 5.5 sacks, not to mention a pick-six at Yankee Stadium when the undefeated and 13th-ranked Big Green bested ninth-ranked Princeton, 27-10. The Ohio native went on to play in the Hula Bowl, earning team MVP honors in the game. He finished his career with 59 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, 11.0 sacks, nine passes defended, a fumble recovery and an interception.

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