Te'o played college football at Notre Dame, where he was a consensus All-American and received eight national awards.
He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and played in the NFL until 2021.
Manti Malietau Louis Te'o born January 26, 1991) is an American football linebacker who is a free agent.
In 2012, Te'o became the victim of a major catfishing scandal when Naya Tuiasosopo created a fake
online persona named Lennay Kekua with whom Te'o became romantically involved.
Born: January 26, 1991 (age 31) Laie, Hawaii Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) Weight: 241 lb (109 kg)
Career information High school: Punahou School (Honolulu, Hawaii) College: Notre Dame (2009–2012) Position: Linebacker
NFL Draft: 2013 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38 Career history San Diego Chargers (2013–2016) New Orleans Saints (2017–2019)
Chicago Bears (2020) Career highlights and awards Maxwell Award (2012) Lott Trophy (2012)
Chuck Bednarik Award (2012) Walter Camp Award (2012) Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2012) Butkus Award (college) (2012)
Lombardi Award (2012) Unanimous All-American (2012) Career NFL statistics as of 2021
Total tackles: 307 Sacks: 1.5 Forced fumbles: 1 Fumble recoveries: 1 Interceptions: 2
Manti Malietau Louis Te'o born January 26, 1991) is an American football linebacker who is a free agent.
College recruitment and rankings Te'o was nationally regarded as one of the elite prospects of the class of 2009.
Major recruiting service Rivals.com listed him as a five-star recruit
—the first from Hawaii since Jonathan Mapu in 2002—and ranked him second among inside linebackers only behind
On National Signing Day of 2009, Te'o committed to the University of Notre Dame.
He chose the Fighting Irish, then coached by Charlie Weis, over Brigham Young and Southern California.
Te'o was the first USA Today Defensive Player of the Year to commit to the Irish since Kory Minor in 1995.