Manti Te’o

Manti Te’o cemented his status as one of college football’s most decorated defensive players, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and earning seven national awards during his standout 2012 senior season at the University of Notre Dame. In 2012, Te’o was honored with the Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Walter Camp Award, and the Lott Trophy. He led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated 12–0 regular season, anchoring a dominant defense. Throughout his collegiate career from 2009 to 2012, Te’o amassed 437 total tackles, ranking third all-time at Notre Dame, and earned Freshman All-American honors in 2009.

Following his successful period in San Diego, Te’o continued his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he played for three seasons from 2017 to 2019, contributing to their defensive efforts. He later joined the Chicago Bears for a stint in 2020, concluding an impressive eight-year professional playing career that showcased his versatility and dedication at the highest level of Football. These experiences laid the groundwork for his transition into sports media and analysis. Leveraging his extensive on-field experience and deep understanding of the game, Te’o transitioned into sports broadcasting, joining NFL Network in 2024 as a prominent on-air analyst.

In this capacity, he provides expert insights and commentary across various programs, including regular contributions to ‘Good Morning Football’ and ‘Good Morning Football: Overtime.’ His insightful analysis and articulate commentary have quickly made him a valued voice, offering a unique perspective from his time as an NFL veteran.