George "Leki" Fotu[2] (born August 23, 1998) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL).[3] He played college football at Utah and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Fotu played high school rugby[4] and high school football at Herriman High School, playing defensive end and sporadic tight end. His team won the Utah 5A state championship his senior season.[5] Fotu committed to Utah on September 20, 2015, choosing the Utes over USC, Brigham Young and Oklahoma State.[6]
After his sophomore season, Utah coaches considered moving Fotu from defensive end to offensive tackle, but Fotu instead moved to defensive tackle and claimed the starting spot at that position.[7] At the end of his junior season, Fotu was named first-team all-Pac-12 Conference.[1]
Before his senior season, Fotu was named a preseason All-American by ESPN.[8] During the season, after a game against Cal, Fotu was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording a 13-yard sack.[9] He was named second-team midseason All-American by the Associated Press.[10]
Fotu was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round with the 114th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft.[13] He was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury on November 14, 2020,[14] and activated on December 5, 2020.[15] In Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fotu recorded his first career sack on fellow rookie Jalen Hurts during the 33–26 win.[16]
Fotu entered the 2021 season as the backup nose tackle for the Cardinals. He played in 17 games with three starts, recording 19 tackles, three passes defensed, and a forced fumble.[17]
On March 14, 2024, Fotu signed with the New York Jets.[18]
Three of Fotu's brothers have also played college football.[1] Before focusing on football, Fotu also played rugby.[1] Both of Fotu's parents were born in Tonga, but moved to America before Leki was born.[19]
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