Sione Vaki’s journey from high school standout to a promising NFL running back grabs the attention of football fans nationwide.
In this article, you will know Sione Vaki’s net worth, career earnings, contract details, career highlights, stats, family life, and much more.
If you want comprehensive and reliable insights on Vaki’s background, finances, and on-field performance, you are in the right place.
Sione Vaki’s Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sione Vaki |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | University of Utah |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’11” (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 213 lb (97 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Team | Detroit Lions |
| Position | Running Back |
| NFL Draft | 2024, 4th Round, 132nd Overall |
| Net Worth | $4,673,544 |
| Salary | $960,000 |
| Career Earnings | $2,408,544 |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Sione Vaki grew up in Antioch, California, as the youngest of eleven children. He attended Liberty High School in Brentwood, where he made a name for himself playing both offense and defense. Vaki’s skill set set him apart—he excelled as a receiver and defensive back.
He helped Liberty win its first state championship and was honored as the NorCal Player of the Year. Before beginning his college football journey, Vaki took a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tonga and Salt Lake City, showing his dedication both on and off the field.
He joined the University of Utah in 2022, already noted for his leadership and commitment to family and faith.
Professional Career
Vaki started at Utah as a defensive standout but quickly showcased his versatility. In 2023, injuries to teammates pushed him into the offensive spotlight, where he amassed over 500 total offensive yards and scored five touchdowns.
He also delivered impressive performances on defense, earning all-conference honors. Vaki entered the 2024 NFL Draft after two stellar college seasons and was picked by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round.
The Lions valued his flexibility and competitive spirit, slotting him as a running back and leveraging his special teams prowess. In his first NFL season, Vaki joined Detroit’s active roster, impressing coaches with his work ethic and playmaking ability.
Sione Vaki’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Sione Vaki’s net worth stands at approximately $4.67 million. This figure includes NFL salaries, signing bonuses, and contract guarantees.
Contract
Vaki signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the Detroit Lions after being drafted 132nd overall in 2024. The contract is valued at about $4.67 million, in line with NFL rookie wage scales.
Nearly $529,000 of his contract is fully guaranteed, and his deal includes a prorated signing bonus structure across all four years. The Lions act decisively to secure their draft picks using clear, pre-set rookie contracts under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Salary
For the 2025 NFL season, Vaki’s base salary is $960,000. This is consistent with the progression stipulated in his rookie contract. His cap charge for 2025 is just over $1.09 million, with a portion coming from his signing bonus allocation for the year.
This salary reflects his early-career status in the league and will increase annually as set out in his agreement.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Detroit Lions | $795,000 | $653,544 | $1,448,544 |
| 2025 | Detroit Lions | $960,000 | — | $960,000 |
| 2026 | Detroit Lions | $1,075,000 | — | $1,075,000 |
| 2027 | Detroit Lions | $1,190,000 | — | $1,190,000 |
| Total | $4,020,000 | $653,544 | $4,673,544 |
Career Stats
| Category | 2024 Season Stats | Career Totals |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 16 | 16 |
| Rushing Attempts | 6 | 6 |
| Rushing Yards | 14 | 14 |
| Rushing Average | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Longest Rush | 7 | 7 |
| Receptions | 3 | 3 |
| Receiving Targets | 3 | 3 |
| Receiving Yards | 37 | 37 |
| Receiving Average | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 17 | 17 |
| Total Tackles | 8 | 8 |
| Solo Tackles | 8 | 8 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 | 1 |
| Kickoff Returns | 2 | 2 |
| Kickoff Return Yards | 55 | 55 |
| Kickoff Return Average | 27.5 | 27.5 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What position does Sione Vaki play for the Detroit Lions?
He plays primarily as a running back for the Detroit Lions, although he built his reputation as a versatile defender and occasional dual-threat back during his college career. The Lions value his skills on both offense and special teams.
2. How much does Sione Vaki earn in salary with the Detroit Lions?
Vaki’s salary for the 2025 season is $960,000 under his four-year rookie contract. His total contract is set at around $4.67 million, and he also received a signing bonus when he joined.
3. Has Sione Vaki won any awards or received special honors?
He was selected First-Team All-Pac-12 at both safety and all-purpose player and was a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year and the Paul Hornung Award for versatility.
4. What is known about Vaki’s personal or family life?
Vaki comes from a large Tongan-American family as the youngest of eleven siblings. His late mother inspired his education and mission service. There’s no public information confirming a wife, girlfriend, or children.
5. How did Sione Vaki perform in college, and how did he join the NFL?
He starred for the University of Utah as a dynamic two-way player, earning all-conference honors. The Detroit Lions drafted him in the fourth round, where he began contributing as a running back and special teamer.
