Alaska in the NFL preseason spotlight: Pili, Ulofoshio and Williams push for roster spots
As the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds, three Alaska-born players are betting on their performances to earn a place on NFL rosters. Here’s where they stand this season.
Brandon Pili – Seattle Seahawks – Defensive Line
Pili, a Dimond High product from Anchorage, enters his third NFL season and his first with the Seahawks after signing as a free agent last November. The 6-foot-3, 334-pound defensive lineman spent two years with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in 2023, appearing in 12 games and recording four tackles. His path to the NFL included a standout high school career at Dimond, a final season in Oregon, and a 38-game college run at USC. In Seattle’s preseason opener, Pili logged two tackles in a 23-23 tie against the Las Vegas Raiders and is currently listed as the Seahawks’ third-string nose tackle.
Edefuan Ulofoshio – Buffalo Bills – Linebacker
Anchorage native Edefuan Ulofoshio is preparing for his second NFL season after contributing on both defense and special teams as a rookie with the Bills. A fifth-round pick (160th overall) in 2024, Ulofoshio totaled five tackles and one pass defended as a rookie. Standing 6-foot-1 and 239 pounds, he recorded two tackles in Buffalo’s preseason opener and remains listed as the Bills’ third-string outside linebacker. His continued development reflects the Bills’ ongoing effort to blend versatile linebackers into their defense and special-teams units.
Aiden Williams – Pittsburgh Steelers – Offensive Line
Aiden Williams is aiming to go from undrafted to NFL roster this preseason with the Steelers. The 6-foot-5, 314-pound lineman started his football journey as a tight end at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School before playing four seasons at Minnesota Duluth, where he earned DII Honorable Mention All-American honors and was a nominee for DII lineman of the year. Williams’ preseason action included 54 snaps protecting the quarterback and creating running room in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he is currently Pittsburgh’s third-string right guard.
Note: There’s another Alaska connection to the league worth mentioning. Tyree Wilson, who was born in Anchorage, began his NFL career in Texas before being selected seventh overall by the Raiders in 2023. His family moved when he was young, and he’s since built a notable NFL résumé with Las Vegas.
What to watch this preseason
– Pili’s nose tackle depth and run-stopping ability in Seattle’s front seven.
– Ulofoshio’s versatility at outside linebacker and his impact on both defense and special teams.
– Williams’ development at guard and his ability to transition from a Division II program to a pro-style offense.
– Overall Alaska representation in the NFL continues to grow, offering younger players a visible path from state programs to pro football.
Summary: Alaska’s showcase in the 2025 preseason highlights three players pursuing NFL roster spots with Seattle, Buffalo and Pittsburgh, each leveraging their unique high school, college and pro experiences to compete at the highest level. If they continue to perform, their stories add to a hopeful trend for Alaska-native talent in professional football.