Rex Sunahara Bio
Rex Sunahara (born October 9, 1996) is an American professional football long snapper for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rhode Island Rams and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Known for his versatility, Sunahara has transitioned through various teams in his career, showcasing his skills as a long snapper in both college and professional football.
Early Life and Background
Rex Sunahara was born in Bay Village, Ohio, where he was raised in a family with a strong athletic background. His father, Reed Sunahara, is of Japanese descent and has made a name for himself as the head coach of the women’s volleyball program at West Virginia University. Rex has a younger brother, RJ, who played college basketball for the University of Georgia. Growing up, Rex was exposed to various sports and participated in baseball, football, and basketball during his time at Bay High School. He played as a wide receiver and defensive back, earning All-Ohio Division IV Third Team honors in his senior year. After high school, he committed to the University of Rhode Island, where he converted to playing long snapper to continue his multi-sport athlete journey.
Path to American Football
At the University of Rhode Island, Rex Sunahara played football and also walked on to the basketball team. During his football career at Rhode Island, he appeared in eight games as a long snapper and recorded four special teams tackles. After his first year, he decided to transfer to West Virginia University, aiming to walk on to the football team. At West Virginia, he served as a backup long snapper for two years before becoming the starting long snapper in 2018. Over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he started 24 games and recorded four special teams tackles. His performance earned him recognition, including being named a Patrick Mannelly Award Semifinalist and invitations to prestigious collegiate all-star games.
Rex Sunahara Career
Early Career (2020)
Rex Sunahara began his professional career when he signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on August 1, 2020. However, he was waived just a few days later. He participated in a workout for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was signed to the Dolphins practice squad on November 16, 2020. Sunahara signed a reserve/futures deal at the end of the 2020 NFL season, returning to the Dolphins practice squad for the 2021 season. Unfortunately, he was waived again on August 9, 2021.
Breakthrough (2021-2024)
Sunahara’s journey continued as he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2021, initially assigned to the practice squad. He was cut two days later but returned to sign a reserve/futures contract in January 2022. He faced challenges, being waived again in May 2022. On November 17, 2022, he was selected by the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL draft, where he played all ten games of the season. His performance led to another opportunity with the Steelers in June 2023, but he was released in August. Sunahara re-signed with the San Antonio Brahmas in January 2024, but his contract was terminated in August. Finally, on August 8, 2024, he signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he was waived and then re-signed to the practice squad before being signed to the active roster on October 9, 2024.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rex Sunahara’s career has been marked by his adaptability and resilience. He has played for multiple teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Antonio Brahmas, before finding a place with the Cleveland Browns. His journey through the NFL showcases his determination and commitment to the sport.
Rex Sunahara Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rex Sunahara has not received any major award nominations, but he has been recognized for his contributions on the field, particularly during his time at West Virginia University.
Rex Sunahara Awards Won
Rex Sunahara has not won any official awards during his professional football career. However, he was named a Patrick Mannelly Award Semifinalist during his college career, highlighting his skills as a long snapper.
Rex Sunahara Family
Information regarding Rex Sunahara’s family is limited. He has a younger brother, RJ Sunahara, who played college basketball for the University of Georgia. His father, Reed Sunahara, is a notable figure in collegiate athletics as the head coach of the women’s volleyball program at West Virginia University.
Personal Life
Rex Sunahara’s personal life remains private, with limited public information available. He is focused on his career in professional football and continues to develop his skills as a long snapper for the Cleveland Browns.
