Tuli Tuipulotu

Tuli Tuipulotu (born September 3, 2002) is an American football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He was named the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American in 2022. He played college football at USC.

Early life
Tuipulotu grew up in Hawthorne, California and attended Lawndale High School. He was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at USC over offers from California, Utah, Washington, and Stanford. He is of Tongan descent.

College career
As a freshman, Tuipulotu played in all six games with three starts in USC's COVID-19 shortened 2020 season and had 22 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss of and two sacks. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference after recording 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and a team 5.5 sacks. Tuipulotu was named a team captain entering his junior season. He finished the season with an FBS-leading 13.5 sacks, and was named a finalist for the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Hendricks awards.

Professional career
Tuipulotu was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft.

Personal life
Tuipulotu's older brother, Marlon Tuipulotu, also played defensive tackle at USC and currently plays in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also a cousin of former USC and current San Francisco 49ers defensive back Talanoa Hufanga.