Manti Malietau Louis Te'o, born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii, was a linebacker at the University of Notre Dame and was an exceptional talent throughout his college and professional career. Te'o attended Punahou School in Honolulu, where he made a name for himself as a standout player, earning numerous accolades and capturing the attention of college recruiters. In his senior year, Te'o led Punahou to its first-ever state championship in football and was named the state defensive player of the year. He was regarded as one of the most highly recruited athletes in the history of Hawaii.

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In 2009, Te'o committed to the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Fighting Irish from 2009 to 2012. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact and became a starter by his fourth game. Throughout his college career, Te'o's performance on the field was exceptional. He recorded impressive statistics, including 437 total tackles, which ranks him third in school history. Te'o received numerous awards and honors, such as the Lombardi, Butkus, Maxwell, and Walter Camp awards. In his senior season, Te'o was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing second in the voting.

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After an illustrious college career, Te'o entered the 2013 NFL Draft and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round, 38th overall. He played for the Chargers from 2013 to 2016 before joining the New Orleans Saints from 2017 to 2019. Te'o then briefly played for the Chicago Bears in 2020. Although injuries marred his professional career, Te'o made significant contributions on the field, recording 307 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in the NFL.

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Te'o showcased his exceptional skills throughout his journey and became known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a highly respected player in both college and professional football, receiving recognition for his achievements, including being named a consensus All-American and winning prestigious awards like the Lombardi Award. Te'o's story inspires aspiring athletes, highlighting the success that can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.