Giovanni Manu

Player Information

Werner "Giovanni" Manu (born January 26, 2001) is a Tongan-Canadian professional American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played Canadian football in U Sports for the UBC Thunderbirds. Manu was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Full Name :
Werner "Giovanni" Manu
Birthdate :
26 January 2001
Birthplace :
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
201
Weight (kg) :
159
Residence :
British Columbia, Canada
Nationality :
Tonga
Education :
Pitt Meadows (High School), UBC (University)
Career Started :
2024
Notable Achievements :
Second-team All-Canadian (2022, 2023)
Current Team :
Detroit Lions
Drafted :
2024
Drafted by :
Detroit Lions
Active Status :
From - 2024, To - Present

Biography

Giovanni Manu is an emerging NFL talent drafted 126th in total by the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft. He honed his skills at the University of British Columbia, where he played as a left tackle and left guard. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 352 pounds, his physicality is an asset in the competitive league. Although he remained inactive during the 2024 season, he is focused on skill development and looks forward to future opportunities. More insights into his path await.

Early Life

Giovanni Manu began his football adventure during his childhood in Canada, where he developed his skills with the British Columbia Thunderbirds. Throughout his school years, he displayed his athletic talent and versatility on the field.

He continued to excel in college at the University of British Columbia, playing both left tackle and left guard. Giovanni’s supportive family and community were instrumental in his development, providing encouragement as he faced the challenges of moving from Canadian USports football to the highly competitive environment of the NFL.

His hard work and dedication ultimately led him to be the initial NFL draft pick from the University of British Columbia, selected 126th in total by the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Family Life

Giovanni Manu, a talented NFL player, credits his close-knit family for his success. His parents, who have always been his biggest supporters, instilled strong family values that have shaped his work ethic and resilience on and off the field.

Growing up with siblings, Giovanni learned the importance of teamwork and perseverance, which have greatly contributed to his adaptability in different circumstances. His family continues to be an essential source of motivation as he begins his professional path with the Detroit Lions, always cheering him on from afar.

Career

Giovanni Manu was selected 126th in total by the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft after an impressive stint with the British Columbia Thunderbirds, highlighting his versatility by excelling at both left tackle and left guard.

In his rookie season, he participated in the Lions’ rookie development program and training camp, where he was positioned as a depth tackle on the tertiary team. Although he illustrated improvement in preseason games, particularly against lesser competition, his general performance was inconsistent, resulting in him being inactive for the entire 2024 NFL season as he focused on his development.

With strong physical attributes, including a height of 6-foot-8 and weight of 352 pounds, Manu has the potential to make a notable impact as he continues to hone his skills.

Net Worth

Giovanni Manu, a rookie offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, has a net worth that is currently not publicly disclosed but is estimated to be modest, given he earns a standard rookie salary of approximately $1 million per year.

As he progresses in his NFL career, his net worth is expected to grow, especially if he secures endorsements and future contracts.