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“I had to choose. Do I want to keep on playing, or is this it for me? I chose that I was going to work my butt off the whole time.”
Dylan Laube
Westhampton Beach’s Dylan Laube told Greater Long Island he hit a crossroads just weeks into his rookie season in the NFL.
A 6th-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders following a record-breaking career at the University of New Hampshire, Laube fumbled on his very first regular-season carry. It happened in Week 6 — and he didn’t see the field again for the next four games.
“When you get a shot and it’s not what you expect of yourself, it’s tough,” said Laube. “It’s mentally draining. But you learn so much from it.”
What he learned, he said, is that hard work pays off. Laube got another shot in Week 12 — and from there became a key contributor on special teams down the stretch. Now, he’s focused on building off that momentum heading into his second season.
“From year one to year two, it’s a totally different mindset now. I’m so much more comfortable now.”
Giving back
Laube returned to the East End this week to serve as a guest instructor at the Hurricane Football PAL Camp. He tells Greater Long Island that teaching kids — especially in his hometown — means everything to him.
“Seeing all these kids look up to me, it’s so special. This town and this place is so important to me.”
Life in Vegas
Outside of the camp, Laube spent most of the offseason training — but not just for football.
“I was in a Celebrity Poker Tournament which was one of the most fun experiences in my life,” Laube told Greater Long Island. “I was so cocky, I was so confident I was going to win. But, I wasn’t even close. I got my butt kicked the entire time.”
In that case, Laube admits, his hard work didn’t pay off.
“The week before, I was studying online, trying to figure out the best hands and the best strategy. But it did not work whatsoever.”
Despite what he called a “terrible showing,” Laube said it was a blast — and he’s already eyeing redemption the next time around.
Whether it’s the poker table or the football field, betting on Laube to bounce back is always a smart play.
Top: Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube smiles as he pauses on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker). Inset photo: Andrew Rappaport
