DJ Fluker, a former offensive lineman for the Foley Lions and Alabama Crimson Tide, is heading back to the NFL after he signed a practice squad deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Fluker reportedly had a workout with the Carolina Panthers earlier last week before a Friday session with the Raiders where he was last on a practice squad in 2021. In the two years since, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz said Fluker has dropped 50 pounds and is in the best shape of his life.

That would list the former high school and college All-American at 6-foot-5 and around 290 pounds which fits right into the average offensive lineman in Las Vegas, around 6-foot-6 and 309 pounds.

In eight years as a pro following the 11th overall selection to the San Diego Chargers in 2013, Fluker recorded 3,042 snaps as a tackle and 3,322 snaps as a guard for four teams. After four seasons with the Chargers (two seasons at each tackle and guard), he played one season for the New York Giants (tackle), two seasons for the Seattle Seahawks (guard) and one season for the Baltimore Ravens (tackle).

Fluker started his comeback tour last offseason when he worked out at Alabama’s Pro Day before the 2023 NFL Draft. Between May and September, Fluker also reportedly worked out with the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and New York Jets before last week’s pair of sessions.

San Diego used its first-round pick in 2013 on Fluker to bolster the offensive line as quarterback Philip Rivers — St. Michael Catholic’s current head football coach — bounced back from his first losing season as a seven-year starter for the Chargers. With Fluker blocking, Rivers was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year after he helped lead a four-game win streak to close the regular season and earn San Diego’s first playoff berth since 2009.

As a senior at Foley High School in 2008, Fluker was recognized as All-American by Parade, All-USA by USA Today, All-Southern by the Orlando Sentinel and a Super 12 member by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Fluker participated in the United States Army All-America Bowl as well as the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic which will feature current Foley Lion Perry Thompson this weekend at Southern Miss.

Fluker went on to star at the University of Alabama and hoisted a BCS National Championship with Foley teammate Robert Lester as well as former Daphne Trojan TJ Yeldon in 2013.