Manti Malietau Louis Teʻo (/ˈmæntaɪ ˈtɛʔoʊ/; born January 26, 1991) is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American, and received eight national awards. Te'o was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Te'o played for Punahou School, a private co-ed institution in Manoa, Honolulu, where he had also attended middle school. Te'o began his varsity career in 2006 with stellar play that won him selection to the second-team all-state roster as a sophomore.
As a junior in 2007, Te'o was named the state defensive player of the year by the Honolulu Advertiser and the Gatorade state player of the year. He received first-team all-state honors while totaling 90 tackles and five sacks on defense and 400 rushing yards and ten touchdowns as a running back. Te'o drew considerable attention from colleges and recruiters in the process.