Laiatu Latu

Player Information

Laiatu Latu is an American professional football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and UCLA Bruins, where he was named a unanimous All-American and won the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Awards with the latter in 2023. Latu was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Full Name :
Laiatu Latu
Birthdate :
31 December 2000
Birthplace :
Sacramento, California, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
196
Weight (kg) :
120
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Jesuit (Sacramento) (High School), Washington (College), UCLA (College)
Career Started :
2024
Notable Achievements :
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2024), Ted Hendricks Award (2023), Lombardi Award (2023), Unanimous All-American (2023), Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2023), Morris Trophy (2023), Polynesian College Football Player of the Year (2023), 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2022, 2023)
Current Team :
Indianapolis Colts
Drafted :
2024
Drafted by :
Indianapolis Colts
Active Status :
From - 2024, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2026

Biography

Laiatu Latu is a standout NFL linebacker who was drafted 15th in total by the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. His impressive college career at UCLA included leading the nation in tackles for loss in the 2023 season. With a rookie season characterized by 25 tackles and 4 sacks, Latu quickly established himself as a rising star. His roots in Polynesian heritage and commitment to community service elevate his profile further. Discover more to uncover his path and impact in the NFL.

Early Life

Laiatu Latu developed a passion for football at a young age during his childhood. He attended Jesuit High School, where he displayed his skills as both an outside linebacker and tight end.

Throughout his high school career, Latu earned recognition for his impressive defensive abilities, recording 94 tackles and 29.5 tackles for loss in his senior year. His athleticism and versatility were further highlighted by his rankings as the No. 112 overall prospect and No. 6 weakside defensive end by 247Sports.

Moreover, he was named to the 2018 USA Today All-California primary team and was the co-All Purpose Player of the Year in the Delta League in 2017. These accolades emphasized his impact on the field and solidified his reputation as a standout athlete.

Family Life

Laiatu Latu comes from a family that places a strong emphasis on education, as he pursued a degree in sociology at UCLA.

His Polynesian heritage holds substantial meaning for him, reflected in his participation in the Polynesian Bowl during high school.

Although specific details about Latu’s immediate family members are not widely publicized, his deep connections to his community and commitment to social initiatives, such as partnering with Campbell’s Chunky Soup to combat hunger, highlight a supportive family environment that encourages giving back and community engagement.

Career

Laiatu Latu began his professional football career after being selected 15th in total by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2024 NFL Draft.

He made a notable impact during his time at UCLA, particularly in the 2023 season where he led the nation in tackles for loss and ranked among the top players in sacks.

In his rookie NFL season, Latu continued to impress, recording 25 tackles and 4 sacks, which included 2 strip sacks.

His outstanding performance earned him a place on the PFWA 2024 All-Rookie Team, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.

Net Worth

Laiatu Latu’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million, largely due to his selection as the 15th general pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which includes a lucrative rookie contract worth approximately $5 million and a signing bonus of $1.5 million.

During his rookie season, Latu earned a salary of $1.2 million, and with his impressive performance, he is ready for future financial growth through potential contract extensions and endorsements.

His partnership with Campbell’s Chunky Soup is also set to improve his marketability, contributing to his overall financial standing.

In addition, Latu’s collegiate accolades, including several prestigious awards, solidify his status as a highly marketable player in the NFL.