T. J. Pesefea

Tautala "TJ" Pesefea Jr. (born June 25, 2000) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for American River and Arizona State. He began his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

T. J. Pesefea

No. 93 – St. Louis Battlehawks
Position:	Defensive Tackle
Personal information
Born:	(2000-06-25) June 25, 2000 (age 25) Sacramento, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	314 lb (142 kg)
Career information
High school:	Foothill (Sacramento, California)
College:	American River (2018) Arizona State (2019–2022)
NFL draft:	2023: undrafted
Career history
Cincinnati Bengals (2023) St. Louis Battlehawks (2024–present)

Early life

Pesefea was born in Sacramento, California. He attended Foothill High School where at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and 270 pounds (120 kg), he was a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and football.^[1] In football, Pesefea played tight end and defensive end with the Foothill Mustangs.^[2] Pesefea graduated in 2018 and was rated a three-star collegiate recruiting prospect.^[3]

College career

Pesefea first enrolled at American River College where he played in nine games during the 2018 season alongside the American River Beavers. He finished his first season of college football with 17 tackles.^[1]

In 2019, Pesefea transferred to Arizona State University where he played his sophomore season as a defensive lineman with the Sun Devils. He played in 40 games, redshirting his junior and senior seasons, finishing with 76 total tackles.^[4] While at Arizona State, he majored in liberal studies.^[1]

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

Pesefea signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on May 12, 2023. He played three preseason games before an elbow injury moved him to the injured reserve list. He was later waived on September 12, 2023.^[4]

St. Louis Battlehawks

On August 14, 2024, Pesefea signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL).^[5]

Personal life

Pesefea is third of four children born to Tautala Pesefea Sr. and Annie Chang. He has a brother named Nick Pesefea-Chang. At eight years of age, Pesefea was run over by a car. During his high school years, Pensefea's survival story gained him Most Inspirational Player of the Year.^[6][1]