It’s been two years since linebacker Manti Te’o suited up for an NFL game. But does he have any plans to play in 2023?
Judging by what he told TMZ, the answer is no. In an interview with the outlet, the 32-year-old announced that he is no longer an NFL player and is instead working to “empower” and “inspire” people.
“I’m playing a different game now,” Te’o said. “I’m trying to empower people. Trying to inspire people. That’s the game that I’m playing now, and I’m trying to be the best at that.”
Te’o was a second-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Chargers, three for the New Orleans Saints and played his final season with the Chicago Bears in 2020.
Manti Te’o Says He’s Done With Football, ‘Playing A Different Game Now’ https://t.co/2gPIMwNUCq
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 3, 2023
At Notre Dame, Manti Te’o was one of the best linebackers that college football had seen in a generation. In 2012 he helped lead Notre Dame all the way to the BCS National Championship Game while winning just about every accolade for a defender out there.
Te’o finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Johnny Manziel while the Fighting Irish went on to lose the title game to Alabama.
In the NFL, Te’o would play just 62 games over eight years and record 307 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and 22 tackles for loss.