Manti Te’o is an eight-year NFL veteran and one of the most decorated defensive players in the history of college football. On screen, he brings passion, enthusiasm, and expertise to the sport’s biggest stories as a part-time analyst on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football and GMFB: Overtime. On stage, he delivers inspiring and motivational remarks that move audiences to stand strong in the face of adversity and overcome their toughest battles.

A native of Honolulu, Te’o rose to national prominence as a student at the University of Notre Dame where he played four seasons for the illustrious Fighting Irish football team. He was an All-American linebacker, a Heisman finalist, and the recipient of many collegiate football awards. During this time, Te’o also gained notoriety as the victim of an elaborate catfishing hoax that threatened both his career and his legacy. The full story, beyond the tabloid headlines and viral memes, was captured in the Netflix sports documentary series Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.

The documentary changed the narrative surrounding Manti Te’o and positioned him as a relatable figure who persevered and triumphed over personal trauma. Now a respected voice on resilience, mental health, and personal growth, he strives to help those in dark places rediscover the light. His journey from the peak of success to rock bottom and the process of rebuilding himself is an inspiration to all.

Following his time in the NFL playing for the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints, Te’o was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.