BYU Cougars star WR Darius Lassiter has done it again, with a major announcement that left coach Kalani Sitake speechless and reacting in shock.
In a moment that took Cougar Nation by storm, BYU wide receiver Darius Lassiter has once again commanded the spotlight—only this time, it wasn’t with a one-handed catch or a game-winning touchdown. The senior standout made a major announcement that left not only fans buzzing but head coach Kalani Sitake visibly stunned during a press conference that was anything but ordinary.
A Star Steps Up
Lassiter, who transferred to BYU and quickly became a fan favorite for his explosive plays and quiet leadership, gathered reporters, teammates, and coaching staff for what was initially believed to be a routine media appearance.
Instead, the 6-foot-3 playmaker dropped a personal and powerful revelation: he is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility, and launching a community foundation in honor of his late father—former NFL player Kwamie Lassiter.
“This has been the journey of a lifetime,” Lassiter said, holding back emotion. “And now, it’s time to chase the dream my dad helped shape in me from the moment I picked up a football. I’m declaring for the NFL Draft. But before I go, I want to leave something behind—something that lasts longer than yards and touchdowns.”
Sitake’s Silent Shock
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, a pillar of calm and composure, was seen leaning back in his chair, eyes wide, momentarily speechless as Lassiter made his dual announcement.
When he did speak, Sitake’s voice cracked slightly.
“You always hope to coach kids like Darius,” he said. “Not just for the talent, but for the character. What he’s done on the field speaks for itself. But what he’s doing off it? That’s legacy.”
Sitake later added, “I’m shocked—not because he’s going pro, that part we knew was coming. But to see a young man think beyond football, to honor his family and give back like this… That’s something special.”
The Foundation: A Legacy in Motion
Lassiter’s foundation, “Kwamie’s Kids,” will focus on providing mentorship, scholarships, and emotional support to children who’ve lost parents—mirroring the challenges he faced after the sudden passing of his father in 2019.
“I’ve carried that loss every day,” Lassiter said. “But it’s also been fuel. I want kids who feel alone or angry or stuck to know they can still rise.”
The foundation will be based in both Provo and Lassiter’s hometown of Chandler, Arizona, with programs launching in early summer.
NFL Dreams, Cougar Pride
On the field, Lassiter leaves behind an impressive legacy at BYU: clutch catches, highlight-reel plays, and a fiery competitiveness that ignited the Cougar offense. Analysts project him as a mid-to-late-round NFL draft pick with significant upside due to his route running, physicality, and football IQ.
But to Lassiter, this moment isn’t just about the draft—it’s about the journey.
“I’ve grown here. As a man, as a teammate, and as a leader,” he said. “BYU gave me more than football—it gave me a platform to become who I’m meant to be.”
A New Chapter Begins
With Lassiter now officially turning the page to the next chapter, BYU fans will no doubt miss his playmaking, but even more than that, they’ll miss his presence. His example—on and off the field—has set a tone for what it means to wear the Cougar blue.
“He’s done it again,” Sitake said with a smile. “And I have a feeling he’s just getting started.”