Manti Te'o: Career Overview

Date of Birth: January 26, 1991
Position: Linebacker (LB)
College: Notre Dame

Professional Career

• San Diego Chargers (2013-2016)
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
  • Played 4 seasons, becoming a starter in his second year.
  • Recorded 61 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception in his rookie season.
  • Known for his leadership and strong tackling ability.
• New Orleans Saints (2017-2018)
  • Joined the Saints in 2017 after a brief period of recovery from injuries.
  • Contributed to the team's defense, playing in various roles.
  • Recorded 29 tackles and 1 sack during his time with the Saints.
• Chicago Bears (2020)
  • Signed with the Bears for the 2020 season.
  • Played in 8 games, contributing depth to the linebacker position.

Highlights and Accomplishments

• All-American Honoree: Te'o was a consensus All-American in 2012 while playing for Notre Dame.
• Butkus Award: Won the Butkus Award in 2012, awarded to the nation’s best linebacker.
• Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished as a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2012, one of the few defensive players to achieve this honor.
• Team Captain: Served as a captain for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, showcasing his leadership on and off the field.

Legacy

Manti Te'o is noted for his collegiate success at Notre Dame, where he became a household name during the 2012 season. His journey in the NFL was marked by perseverance, especially following significant injuries. While he may not have had the extended career some might have anticipated, Te'o's impact at Notre Dame and his contributions to the teams he played for are well-regarded in football circles.