T. J. Pesefea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sacramento, California, U.S.
| No. 93 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Born | June 25, 2000 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 314 lb (142 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Foothill (Sacramento) |
| College | American River (2018) Arizona State (2019–2022) |
| NFL draft | 2023: undrafted |
| Career history | |
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
Tautala "TJ" Pesefea Jr. (born June 25, 2000) is an American professional football defensive tackle. He played college football for American River and Arizona State. He began his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
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, he 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]
Orlando Storm
On January 14, 2026, Pesefea was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, reuniting with his head coach from the Battlehawks, Anthony Becht.[6] He was released on March 12.