How a viral social media hack reshaped an NFL star's draft trajectory and career
In short: Minutes before the 2016 NFL draft, a leaked video of Laremy Tunsil caused teams to panic and pass on the elite prospect. Despite the controversy, Tunsil became a cornerstone offensive tackle, eventually securing record-breaking contracts and five Pro Bowl selections across a high-profile career with the Dolphins, Texans, and Commanders.
Laremy Tunsil’s path to professional football was marked by immense promise and unusual turbulence. A five-star recruit from Lake City, Florida, he excelled at Ole Miss, where he became a rare true freshman starter at left tackle. However, his college tenure was complicated by a 2015 domestic dispute with his stepfather, Lindsey Miller, which led to an NCAA investigation into improper benefits. This scrutiny, coupled with a viral video of Tunsil posted to his own Twitter account just ten minutes before the 2016 draft, caused several teams to remove him from their draft boards entirely.
The Miami Dolphins ultimately selected Tunsil with the 13th overall pick in 2016. He quickly transitioned from guard to his natural position at left tackle, becoming a reliable anchor for the team. In 2019, the Dolphins executed a blockbuster trade, sending Tunsil to the Houston Texans in exchange for a massive haul of draft capital. The move was viewed as a significant win for Miami, though it deprived them of a premier performer. Tunsil thrived in Houston, earning multiple Pro Bowl honors and consistently ranking among the league's top players.
Tunsil’s financial trajectory mirrored his on-field success. In 2020, he signed a $66 million extension that briefly made him the highest-paid offensive lineman by annual value. His market value continued to climb, culminating in a 2026 extension that established him as the first player at his position to surpass the $30 million annual salary threshold. Following a 2025 trade to the Washington Commanders, Tunsil remains a central figure in the league, despite enduring injuries and leading the NFL in penalties during several seasons of his professional tenure.
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