Former Utah football star Sione Vaki goes viral with his singing voice

Sione Vaki has made a big impression on his new coach – and not just with his performance on the pitch.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters this week that Vaki was the star of the team's rookie singing contest, describing the former Ute's voice as “phenomenal.”

“I don't know if it's the best performance, but as far as the best voice I've ever heard, (Vaki's) voice is right up there,” he said, according to Brad Galli on WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

Campbell encouraged reporters at his press conference to ask Vaki to sing for them.

Galli reported that Vaki did just that after a practice this week.

“Fair Eastside, we will stay by your side and always praise your name,” he sang.

The song is from the 1989 film “Lean on Me” and has recently become very popular on TikTok.

In the WXYZ video, reporters can be heard enthusiastically applauding Vaki's performance. One person shouts “Wow!”

As the Deseret News previously reported, Vaki was also praised for his football skills this preseason.

In the Lions' game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, he recorded 22 rushing yards on six carries and four catches for 60 yards.

“We felt like this kid had what it takes to play on special teams. Now it's just a question of whether we can use him on offense,” Campbell said of the performance, according to NFL.com.

Vaki spent most of his time at the University of Utah as a safety, but last year he emerged as a key offensive weapon.

The Lions ultimately selected him as a running back in the fourth round of the NFL Draft in April, and, as Campbell noted, the team is still trying to figure out how best to help him develop next season.

“I would say it's too early to say what we're going to do for him right now,” Campbell said.