Frankie Luvu

Frankie Luvu (born September 19, 1996) is an American football linebacker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). A native of American Samoa, he played college football for the Washington State Cougars before signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Luvu has also played for the Carolina Panthers.

Early life and college
Luvu was born on September 19, 1996, in Tafuna, American Samoa. He moved to the United States in 2013 to play college football for the Cougars at Washington State University.

New York Jets
Luvu was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2018. He was waived on September 1, 2018, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 8, 2018. On October 14, 2019, Luvu was waived by the Jets and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 1, 2019. Luvu re-signed with the Jets on April 23, 2020. He was placed on injured reserve on October 20, 2020, with a groin injury. He was activated on November 21, 2020.

Carolina Panthers
Luvu signed with the Carolina Panthers on March 23, 2021. He entered the season as a backup linebacker and core special teamer. He played in 16 games with four starts, recording 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.

On February 17, 2022, Luvu signed a two-year contract extension with the Panthers. On October 2, 2022, Luvu recorded his first career interception and touchdown against Kyler Murray in a loss against the Arizona Cardinals. In 2023, Luvu earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 8 after recording 12 tackles, two for a loss, two pass breakups and a sack.

Washington Commanders
On March 14, 2024, Luvu signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Washington Commanders.

Personal life
Of Samoan descent, Luvu is the youngest of eight children born to Veresa, former Fiji national rugby union team player, and Faaloiloia Luvu. He was born a U.S. national due to the status of American Samoa and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in August 2023. Luvu's parents still live in American Samoa, with them attending their first NFL game in 2022.