How Long Did Manti Te’o Play in the NFL?

Manti Te’o is a former football linebacker who played in the NFL. He was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. Te’o played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and received All-American honors and eight national awards. His skills on the field eventually led him to the NFL, where he played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.

Te’o entered the NFL in 2013 after being drafted by the Chargers in the second round. He played for the team for four seasons, appearing in 38 games and recording 221 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1.5 sacks. In 2017, Te’o signed with the Saints and played for them for two seasons, appearing in 24 games and recording 123 tackles, 1 interception, and 1.5 sacks. In 2019, he signed with the Bears but was released before the start of the regular season.

Manti Te’o’s NFL Career

Draft and Early Career

Manti Te’o was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers for four seasons, from 2013 to 2016, before being released in March 2017. During his time in San Diego, Te’o played in 38 games, starting 34 of them. He recorded 221 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 6 passes defended, and 2 interceptions.

Performance and Stats

Te’o’s best season statistically was in 2015, when he started all 12 games he played in and recorded 83 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 5 passes defended, and 1 interception. He also had a career-high 2 forced fumbles that season. Overall, Te’o’s performance in the NFL was solid but not spectacular.

Injuries and Free Agency

Te’o’s time in the NFL was marred by injuries. He missed a total of 26 games due to various injuries, including a foot injury that caused him to miss most of the 2016 season. After being released by the Chargers, Te’o signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints in March 2017. He played for the Saints in 2017 and 2018, appearing in a total of 24 games and recording 94 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 interception. He became a free agent after the 2021 season and has not played in the NFL since.

In summary, Manti Te’o played in the NFL for six seasons, from 2013 to 2021. He played for the San Diego Chargers for four seasons and the New Orleans Saints for two seasons. He recorded a total of 315 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 8 passes defended, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 touchdown in his NFL career. Although he was not a star player, Te’o was a solid contributor on defense and special teams.

Manti Te’o’s College Career

Manti Te’o played college football for the University of Notre Dame from 2009 to 2012. During his time at Notre Dame, he was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football.

Notre Dame Career

Te’o started his career at Notre Dame in 2009 and quickly established himself as a key player on the team. He started in all 13 games that season and recorded 63 tackles, one sack, and one interception. In his sophomore year, Te’o continued to improve, finishing the season with 133 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions.

In 2011, Te’o’s junior year, he led the team with 128 tackles and was named a consensus All-American. He was also a finalist for the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award. Te’o continued his dominance in his senior year, recording 113 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and seven interceptions. He was again named a consensus All-American and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Awards and Honors

Te’o’s outstanding play during his college career earned him numerous awards and honors. In addition to being a two-time consensus All-American, he was also a three-time First-Team All-American, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, and a finalist for the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award.

Te’o was also named the Walter Camp National Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award winner, and the Bednarik Award winner. He was the first Notre Dame player to win the Maxwell and Bednarik Awards since 1987.

In conclusion, Manti Te’o had an outstanding college career at Notre Dame, where he was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His exceptional play earned him numerous awards and honors, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Notre Dame history.

Manti Te’o’s Personal Life

Manti Te’o is a former professional football linebacker who played in the NFL for six seasons. He was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. While playing at the University of Notre Dame, he received All-American honors and eight national awards. His skills on the field eventually led him to the NFL, where he played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.

The Lennay Kekua Scandal

In 2012, Manti Te’o was involved in a catfishing scandal that gained national attention. He had been in an online relationship with a woman named Lennay Kekua, who he believed had died of leukemia. However, it was later revealed that Kekua never existed, and the entire relationship was a hoax.

The story was first reported by Deadspin, and it caused a media frenzy. Te’o claimed that he was the victim of the hoax and that he had been tricked into believing that Kekua was a real person. However, many people were skeptical of his story, and some accused him of being involved in the hoax.

The Netflix Documentary

In 2022, a Netflix documentary titled “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” was released, which revisited the Lennay Kekua scandal. The documentary featured interviews with Te’o, as well as his family and friends. It explored the impact that the scandal had on Te’o’s life and career, and it offered a new perspective on the story.

In the documentary, Te’o discussed the emotional toll that the scandal had taken on him, and he opened up about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He also talked about his decision to forgive the person who had perpetrated the hoax, Roniah Tuiasosopo.

The Aftermath

After the scandal, Manti Te’o’s reputation was tarnished, and he became the subject of ridicule and criticism. However, he continued to play football in the NFL, and he had a successful career. He retired from football in 2019, and he now lives in Utah with his wife and child.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Lennay Kekua scandal, Manti Te’o remains a respected and admired figure in the football community. He has been praised for his resilience and his ability to overcome adversity, and he has become a role model for many young athletes.

How Long Did Manti Te’o Play in the NFL? – Key Takeaways

Manti Te’o had a successful NFL career, playing for five seasons from 2013 to 2017. He was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and played for them until 2016. In 2017, he signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he played his final season.

During his NFL career, Te’o played in 62 games and recorded 307 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 13 passes defended. He was also a team captain for the Chargers and was known for his leadership and work ethic.

Despite suffering a fractured foot in 2014, Te’o was able to return to the field and continue to play at a high level. He was also recognized for his off-field contributions, including being named the Chargers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016 for his community service.

Overall, Te’o’s career in the NFL was solid and he made a positive impact both on and off the field. While he may not have achieved Hall of Fame status, he will be remembered as a hard-working and dedicated player who gave his all to the game of football.

How Long Did Manti Te’o Play in the NFL – FAQs