Louis Delmas is a Haitian-born former professional American football safety, selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft[1][2]. He played his college football at Western Michigan University, where he was recognized as one of the top defensive prospects and eventually named Second Team All-MAC Defense during his collegiate career[1][3][4].
Born on April 12, 1987, in Delmas, Haiti, Delmas moved to Miami, Florida, at age 11 and attended North Miami Beach High School[1][6]. He played multiple positions in high school, including defensive back, wide receiver, kick returner, and long snapper, and earned various honors for his performances[3].
At Western Michigan (2005–2008), Delmas started most games at free safety, amassing impressive statistics such as 64 total tackles as a senior and eight career interceptions, which led the team among active Broncos[3]. In his pre-draft evaluation, Delmas was regarded as an aggressive, versatile player with strong athletic metrics, including a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine[2][5].
Delmas began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions, quickly distinguishing himself by returning a 65-yard fumble for a touchdown in his first regular season game[2]. As a rookie, he achieved a historic season, being the first rookie in NFL history to record a touchdown via interception and fumble recoveries and also record a safety in the same season—a feat matched by only one other player in league history[2]. He was named to the 2009 NFL All-Rookie team, as well as being honored as the Detroit Lions Rookie of the Year[7].
Throughout his career with the Lions, Delmas was named a Pro Bowl alternate after both the 2010 and 2011 NFL seasons[2]. He later signed a two-year contract extension with the Lions in 2013 before being released in February 2014[2]. His professional career also included a stint with the Miami Dolphins[1][8].
Off the field, Delmas was involved in youth coaching and community activity[3]. In 2017, he made headlines after being arrested by Miami-Dade police for resisting arrest without violence while a passenger in a vehicle stopped for suspected DUI. He was released on bond following the incident[1].