Cameron Latu tried not to make a big deal out of being elevated for his NFL regular-season debut last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It’s just another game for me,” Latu said this week after he played six snaps at fullback and 15 on special teams in the win. “The way you prepare, or at least I prepare, we’ve been playing football for a while, so it’s like nothing. I played in preseason. That’s just a football game. Like the nerves and stuff, I feel like being prepared and just knowing my job, knowing my detail, knowing my role kind of gave me confidence going in there and knowing that my brothers are going to do their job. There’s nothing too big, too small. Kind of had my emotions level.”
His mother, Jill Argust-Fine, knew otherwise. She made the trip from Salt Lake City, Utah, to be in Kansas City for Latu’s performance.
“That was a long time coming for her,” Latu said. “She just loves watching her son play. She loves football. It was cool to have her there. It was a good moment for me.”
It was a long time coming for Latu as well.
A third-round pick of the 49ers in 2023 out of Alabama, Latu spent his rookie season on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. For most of 2024, Latu was on the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles in January, while Philadelphia was in the midst of its Super Bowl run.
“It was tough, but I know God got a plan and everything He does happens for a reason. So I trusted His plan and just waited for my opportunity and just kept on trying to grow prior to that,” Latu said. “I felt like it was on display for the minimal snaps I got. I gave it my all and just tried to help the team win.”
Latu competed for a roster spot in Training Camp as a tight end. He earned a spot on the practice squad. Following the injury to Ben VanSumeren against the Cowboys, Latu changed his jersey number to 36 and has worked in the offense as a fullback. He sprung Saquon Barkley for a gain near the goal line when he came in motion and smashed Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu.
“I just went in motion and ran full speed into somebody. I just did my job,” Latu said. “I’m just trying to do my job for this team. Man, I swear it’s just that simple.”