Paul Lasike: Mormon Athlete

Paul Lasike is a professional football fullback, currently playing for the Chicago Bears. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lasike was born on June 18, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand. He studied at the Church College of New Zealand before coming to Brigham Young University where he played running back during the 2012–2014 seasons—the first time he had ever played football. He was named to the College Sports Madness All-Independent Third Team. He came to BYU to play rugby and was a rugby All-American his freshman year. It was after his freshman year while Lasike served a full-time mission to Alabama that he first watched a football game.

On May 5, 2015, Lasike was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals. After being waived on September 5, he was signed on September 7 to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad. His contract was terminated the next day due to visa problems, but he was re-signed on September 21. On January 4, 2016, he signed a futures contract with the Bears.

He and his wife, Ani, are the parents of two children.