Leki Fotu Bio
George “Leki” Fotu is an American professional football defensive tackle who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 23, 1998, in Oakland, California, he currently plays for the New York Giants, where he wears jersey number 90 and is listed as a nose tackle on the active roster. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing around 330 pounds, Fotu has built a reputation as a strong interior presence known for his size, power, and run-stopping ability.
Fotu played college football at the University of Utah, where he earned consecutive First-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2018 and 2019. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft and has since spent time with the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans before joining the New York Giants in 2026.
Early Life and Background
George Leki Fotu was born in Oakland, California, on August 23, 1998. Both of his parents were born in Tonga before moving to America prior to his birth. Fotu grew up in a sports-minded household where three of his brothers also went on to play college football, creating a strong athletic foundation within the family.
Before focusing on football, Fotu played high school rugby, an experience that helped shape his physical playing style. He attended Herriman High School in Utah, where he lined up at defensive end and occasionally at tight end. His team won the Utah 5A state championship during his senior season, a formative achievement that set the stage for his college recruitment.
As a recruit, Fotu was rated as a 2-star defensive end prospect. On September 20, 2015, he committed to the University of Utah, choosing the Utes over scholarship offers from BYU, Oklahoma State, and USC.
Path to American Football
Fotu’s path to professional football began at Herriman High School, where he developed into a state champion. His combination of size, athleticism, and a rugby background made him an intriguing defensive line prospect. After committing to Utah in 2015, he joined a program known for producing NFL-ready defensive linemen.
Following his sophomore season, Utah’s coaching staff considered moving Fotu from defensive end to offensive tackle. Instead, Fotu pushed to remain on defense and transitioned to defensive tackle, where he quickly claimed the starting role. His rapid development at the new position marked a defining step in his football journey.
Leki Fotu Career
Early Career at Utah (2016–2019)
Fotu played college football for the Utah Utes from 2016 through 2019. After settling in at defensive tackle, he became a reliable starter and a disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line. His play earned him First-team All-Pac 12 recognition at the conclusion of his junior season in 2018, and he repeated the honor in 2019.
Heading into his senior year, ESPN named Fotu a preseason All-American. During the 2019 season, he was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after a game against Cal, where he recorded a 13-yard sack. He was also recognized as a second-team midseason All-American by the Associated Press, cementing his status as one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2020–2023)
Leki Fotu was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round with the 114th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. His rookie season began with a setback when he was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury on November 14, 2020, before being activated on December 5, 2020. In Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fotu recorded his first career sack on fellow rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts during a 33–26 win.
Fotu entered the 2021 season as the backup nose tackle for the Cardinals. He appeared in 17 games with three starts, finishing the year with 19 tackles, three passes defensed, and a forced fumble. He remained with the Cardinals through the 2023 season, continuing to develop into a steady rotational player on the defensive line.
New York Jets, Raiders, and Texans (2024–2025)
On March 14, 2024, Fotu signed with the New York Jets. His time in New York was hampered by injuries, as he was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, activated on October 14, and placed back on injured reserve on October 31. On March 25, 2025, Fotu signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played in six games before being released on December 16, 2025. Shortly afterward, on December 23, 2025, the Houston Texans added him to their practice squad.
New York Giants Era (2026–Present)
On April 29, 2026, Fotu signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants, where he currently plays as a nose tackle. Listed at jersey number 90, he joined a defensive line rotation looking to add veteran size and experience.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fotu’s playing style is built on his rare combination of size and mobility. His rugby background gives him strong hand usage and leverage at the line of scrimmage, while his listed frame of 6 feet 5 inches and 330 pounds allows him to anchor against the run. He has developed into a capable pass rusher from the interior, using quick first steps to disrupt opposing backfields.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early milestones of Fotu’s career was his first NFL sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 of the 2020 season. Earning back-to-back First-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2018 and 2019 also stands out as a marquee collegiate achievement. His professional journey across multiple teams reflects perseverance through adversity and roster turnover.
Leki Fotu Career Wins
Throughout his career, Leki Fotu has accumulated 103 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass deflections in regular-season play. These totals reflect his role as a steady contributor on the defensive line across multiple teams, with his statistical production showing steady growth from his early seasons in Arizona through his later stops in the league.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
Fotu’s most productive statistical seasons came during his Cardinals tenure, particularly in 2021, when he played in 17 games with three starts. His first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 marked his arrival as a pass-rushing threat from the nose tackle position. Across his career, he has continued to serve as a reliable rotational defensive lineman.
Other Performances
At the collegiate level, Fotu earned First-team All-Pac 12 honors in both 2018 and 2019, a recognition reserved for the conference’s top performers. His senior-season performance against Cal, where he was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week, highlighted his ability to impact games from the interior.
| Team | Years | Total Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 2020–2023 | 103 | 4.5 |
| New York Jets | 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2025 | 0 | 0 |
Leki Fotu Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fotu comes from a family with deep ties to American football. Three of his brothers have also played college football, a testament to the athletic environment in which he grew up. Both of his parents were born in Tonga before relocating to the United States, giving the family strong Tongan-American roots. Before Leki focused on football, he also played rugby, a sport that reflects the family’s appreciation for physical, contact-based athletics.
Personal Life
Fotu was raised primarily in the Salt Lake City area after his family moved from Oakland, California, where he was born. His Tongan heritage and large family have remained an important part of his identity, and his brothers’ involvement in football helped shape his competitive drive. Fotu has continued to build on that family foundation throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Fotu. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 25, 2025, and played in six games before being released on December 16, 2025. The Houston Texans quickly signed him to their practice squad on December 23, 2025, where he finished the year before landing with the New York Giants.
Statistically, his 2025 production was limited due to the abbreviated stretch with the Raiders and the practice-squad role with the Texans. The season highlighted the volatility of roster movement for veteran defensive linemen, even those with starting experience.
Heading into 2026, Fotu’s one-year deal with the New York Giants offers a fresh opportunity to compete for a meaningful role on the defensive line. His combination of size, experience, and versatility should position him as a contributor in New York’s defensive rotation.