Jonah Tavai

Jonah Tavai (born December 13, 2000) is an American professional gridiron football defensive end for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at San Diego State.

Early life and high school
Tavai grew up in Manhattan Beach, California and graduated from Mira Costa High School, as did his older brothers J. R. Tavai, Jahlani Tavai, and Justus Tavai. He committed to San Diego State to play football on February 6, 2019.

College career
In his collegiate career he totaled 148 tackles, 37 going for a loss of yardage, 25 sacks, a pass deflection, and one forced fumble. His best collegiate year occurred during the 2022 season where he put up, 59 tackles, 14 going for loss, and 10.5 sacks. For his performance he was named to the first team, All-Mountain West.

Seattle Seahawks
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Tavai was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He was waived with a non-football injury designation on July 26, 2023.

BC Lions
On January 19, 2024, Tavai signed with the BC Lions. On June 2, 2024, Tavai was re-assigned to the Practice Squad.