Manti Teʻo is a late American football linebacker. He played in the NFL for brigades like the San Diego Dishes, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. He grew up in Hawaii and played council football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Teʻo earned numerous awards for his outstanding protective chops.
suckers flash back not only for his tackles but also for his remarkable trip. His council career was full of records and honors. He became a part model for youthful athletes. Teʻo’s story is inspiring in both sports and life.
Indeed so, his life faced unanticipated challenges. In 2012, he was involved in a notorious catfishing. The story shocked sports suckers far and wide. Teʻo handled it with honesty and courage, showing strength off the field.
Quick bio about Manti Te’o
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Manti Malietau Louis Teʻo |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Laie, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 241 lb (109 kg) |
| High School | Punahou School, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| College | Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2009–2012) |
| NFL Draft | 2013, 2nd round, 38th overall |
| NFL Teams | San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears |
| Position | Linebacker |
| Career Highlights | Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Lott Trophy, Butkus Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award |
| Total NFL Tackles | 307 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Personal Life | Married to Jovi Nicole Engbino; Children: Hiro and Kyro Teʻo |
| Notable Incident | Victim of catfishing hoax involving Ronaiah Tuiasosopo and fictitious Lennay Kekua |
| Current Role | NFL Network analyst |
Who is Manti Te’o?
Manti Teʻo is a late NFL linebacker from Hawaii. He played council football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and earned multiple awards for his protective chops. Teʻo came to be notorious for his gift and fidelity on the field.
He was drafted by the San Diego Dishes in 2013 and later played for the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears. Known for his diving and leadership, Teʻo also inspired youthful athletes across the country. His career includes numerous memorable games and emotional statistics.
Off the field, Teʻo faced challenges, including a catfishing humbug involving Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. At the moment, he works as an NFL Network critic, participating in perceptivity and commentary with suckers.
Early Life and family background
Manti Teʻo was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. He’s of Samoan descent and grew up in a close- knit family. His parents, Brian and Ottilia Teʻo, encouraged him to work hard.
He has five siblings, sisters BrieAnne, Tiare, Eden, Maya, and family Manasseh. From a youthful age, Teʻo showed gifts in sports and academics. He attended Punahou School, where he bettered in football and levy work, earning recognition for both his athletic and particular achievements.
In high school, Teʻo became an Eagle Scout and helped in original programs like the Hawai’i Food Bank and Special Olympics. His family and community shaped him into a chastened, humble, and determined youthful athlete.
Childhood and married life
Manti Teʻo grew up in Laie, Hawaii, with five siblings in a close- knit Samoan family. He showed gift in sports and academics beforehand. In 2020, he married Jovi Nicole Engbino in San Diego, and the couple has two children, Hiro and Kyro Teʻo, completing their family life.
High School Career
- Attended Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii; started varsity football in 2006.
- As a sophomore, earned second-team all-state honors for outstanding performance.
- Junior year: named state defensive player of the year and Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year.
- Recorded 90 tackles, 5 sacks, and 400 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns as a running back.
- Senior year: led Punahou to its first state football championship in 2008.
- Senior stats: 129 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 19 QB hurries, 176 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns.
- Won Butkus Award (top prep linebacker in U.S.) and Sporting News High School Athlete of the Year.
- Named USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American.
- Volunteered in local programs and became an Eagle Scout.
College Career
| Year | Games Played | Tackles (Total) | Sacks | Interceptions |
| 2009 – Freshman | 12 | 63 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 – Sophomore | 13 | 133 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 – Junior | 13 | 128 | 5 | 0 |
| 2012 – Senior | 13 | 113 | 1.5 | 7 |
| Career Totals | 51 | 437 | 8.5 | 7 |
Freshman Season Highlights
- Played in all 12 games for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2009.
- Made first collegiate start against Purdue after three games as a substitute.
- Recorded 63 total tackles, the third-most by any Notre Dame freshman.
- Achieved 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack during the season.
- Notable play: tackled Colin Kaepernick for an 11-yard loss on only his third snap.
- Earned recognition as a Freshman All-American by College Football News.
- Named second-team Freshman All-American by Rivals.com.
Sophomore Season Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Games Played | 13 |
| Total Tackles | 133 |
| Solo / Assisted Tackles | 66 / 67 |
| Tackles for Loss | 9.5 – 34 yards |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Notable Game | 21 tackles vs. Stanford (career-high at that time) |
| Awards & Honors | Second-team All-American by CNNSI; Semifinalist for Butkus Award and Chuck Bednarik Award |
| Position Change | Moved from outside to inside linebacker in 3–4 defense |
| Leadership | Led team in tackles; strong defensive anchor |
College Statistics
- Total tackles (career): 437 over 51 games at Notre Dame.
- Solo / Assisted tackles: 212 solo, 225 assisted.
- Tackles for loss: 34 for 114 yards.
- Sacks: 8.5 total in four seasons.
- Interceptions: 7 career interceptions, including 7 in senior year (most by an FBS linebacker since 2001).
- Passes defended: 12, with 4 in senior season.
- Forced fumbles / Recoveries: 2 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries.
- Games started: 47 consecutive starts, second-longest streak in Notre Dame history.
- Awards: Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Lott Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award.
- Career rankings: 3rd all-time in tackles at Notre Dame, behind Bob Crable and Bob Golic.
Professional Career
| Team | Years | Games Played | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Notable Highlights |
| San Diego Chargers | 2013–2016 | 38 | 221 | 2.5 | 2 | First NFL interception vs. Tom Brady; first sack vs. Colin Kaepernick |
| New Orleans Saints | 2017–2019 | 24 | 86 | 0 | 0 | Led team in tackles for loss in 2017; healthy inactive most of 2018 |
| Chicago Bears | 2020 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Elevated to active roster for wild card playoff vs. Saints |
NFL Draft and Pre-Draft Analysis
Before the 2013 NFL Draft, Manti Teʻo practiced at IMG Academy in sunshine state . Scouts praised his diving capability and football Command but noted enterprises about his speed and dexterity. He shared in the NFL Combine to showcase his chops.
At the Combine, Teʻo ran a 4.82-alternate 40- yard gusto, slower than anticipated for a top linebacker. Judges anticipated him to ameliorate at Notre Dame’s Pro Day, where he ran briskly, showing better dexterity and athleticism. brigades nearly covered his performance and studied his council career.
Eventually, Teʻo was named 38th overall in the alternate round by the San Diego Dishes. He became the loftiest Notre Dame linebacker drafted since 1993. His pre-draft medication and proven leadership made him a precious addition to the NFL.
San Diego Chargers 2013-2016 seasons
| Season | Games Played | Games Started | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Notable Highlights |
| 2013 | 13 | 13 | 61 | 0 | 0 | NFL debut vs. Dallas Cowboys; 4 passes defended |
| 2014 | 10 | 6 | 60 | 1 | 1 | First NFL interception vs. Tom Brady; first sack vs. Colin Kaepernick |
| 2015 | 12 | 12 | 63 | 0.5 | 1 | Forced fumble; missed 4 games due to ankle injury |
| 2016 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 0 | 0 | Named team captain; season ended early due to torn Achilles |
| Total (Chargers) | 38 | 34 | 201 | 1.5 | 2 | Known for leadership and tackling ability |
Net Worth and Earnings
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 million (as of 2026).
- NFL Salary: Earned multi-million dollar contracts with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
- Signing Bonus: $2,141,768 with the Chargers in 2013.
- Guaranteed Money: Over $3.1 million in his rookie deal.
- Endorsements & Appearances: Made additional income through sponsorships, interviews, and media appearances.
- Post-NFL Career: Works as an NFL Network analyst, contributing to income through broadcasting and commentary.
Social media Presence
Conclusion
Manti Teʻo is further than just a talented linebacker; he’s a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and leadership. From his early days in Hawaii to his decorated council career at Notre Dame and times in the NFL, Teʻo has left a mark on football.
FAQs About Manti Te’o
How much money does Manti Te’o make?
Manti Teʻo’s estimated net worth is around $8 million. He earned most of it from NFL contracts and now also earns as an NFL Network analyst.
What is Manti doing now?
He works as an on-air analyst and commentator for NFL Network. He regularly shares insights on games and football strategy.
How many kids does Manti Te’o have?
Manti Teʻo has two children: a daughter, Hiro, and a son, Kyro
Did Manti Te’o get drafted?
Yes, he was selected in the second round, 38th overall, by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL Draft.
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