Isaako Aaitui
Isaako Aaitui | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 25, 1987 Pago Pago, American Samoa |
| Occupation | Former professional American football player |
| Years active | 2011–2015 |
| Known for | Nose tackle in the National Football League (NFL) |
Isaako Aaitui (born January 25, 1987) is a former professional American football player who specialized as a nose tackle. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2011 after playing collegiate football at UNLV.
Early years
Aaitui completed his high school education at Faga'itua High School in Pago Pago in 2006, where he was active in multiple sports including rugby, volleyball, soccer, and football. Initially evaluated for a kicking position due to his rugby experience, he transitioned to defensive end after recording five sacks in his debut game.
College career
Despite limited proficiency in English and minimal football background, Aaitui was recruited by UNLV. He redshirted during the 2006 season and made his first appearance in 2007, tallying 10 tackles. In his sophomore year, he started nine games and led the team with seven tackles for loss while sharing the top spot for sacks. The following year, he started 10 games at defensive tackle, accumulating 31 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Concluding his college tenure, he earned third-team All-Mountain West Conference recognition after recording 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forcing a fumble, recovering another, and blocking a kick.
Miami Dolphins
After not being selected in the 2011 NFL draft, Aaitui was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad on October 5, 2011. He spent his rookie season there and secured a future contract with the team in January 2012.
His efforts to secure a spot on the Dolphins' roster in 2012 were documented on the HBO series Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins. Ultimately, he was released during final roster cuts but was retained on the practice squad.
New York Jets
Following his release from Miami, Aaitui was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 2, marking his first inclusion on an NFL active roster. Unfortunately, he sustained torn ACL and MCL injuries during his initial practice session and was waived two days afterward.
New Orleans Saints
After missing the entire 2012 season due to injury, Aaitui signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in May 2013. However, he was released during final roster cuts on August 31.
Miami Dolphins (second stint)
The Dolphins brought Aaitui back on September 17, 2013, to bolster their defensive tackle depth following an injury to Paul Soliai. He was elevated to the active roster on October 19 when Marvin Austin was cut. Aaitui made his NFL debut the following day, participating in 19 defensive snaps during a home defeat against the Buffalo Bills.
Washington Redskins
On December 16, 2014, Aaitui joined the Washington Redskins practice squad and later signed a futures contract on December 29. He was waived by Washington on May 4, 2015.
External links
- 1987 births
- Living people
- American football defensive tackles
- American people of Samoan descent
- Sportspeople of Samoan descent
- Miami Dolphins players
- New Orleans Saints players
- New York Jets players
- Sportspeople from Pago Pago
- Players of American football from American Samoa
- Tennessee Titans players
- UNLV Rebels football players
- Washington Redskins players
- Pacific Islander American players of American football