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.
Early life Pesefea was born in Sacramento, California. He attended Foothill High School where at and , he was a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and football.Arizona State Sun Devils Profile. Retrieved March 6, 2025. In football, he played tight end and defensive end with the Foothill Mustangs.Recruiting Profile on MaxPreps.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025. Pesefea graduated in 2018 and was rated a three-star collegiate recruiting prospect.Recruiting Profile on 247Sports.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
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.
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. Refino, Patrick. XFL News Hub. December 27, 2023. "T.J. Pesefea Signs LOI with Battlehawks Prior to Merger." Retrieved March 6, 2025. While at Arizona State, he majored in liberal studies.
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. Refino, Patrick. XFL News Hub. December 27, 2023. "T.J. Pesefea Signs LOI with Battlehawks Prior to Merger." Retrieved March 6, 2025.
St. Louis Battlehawks On August 14, 2024, Pesefea signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Tautela Pesefea on Football Database.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
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. He was released on March 12.
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.
References
External links FoxSports Profile Arizona State Sun Devils Profile ESPN Profile