Daniel Ekuale

BIOGRAPHY

Tanielu “Daniel” Ekuale is a skilled professional American football player hailing from Pago Pago, American Samoa. Born on January 13, 1994, Ekuale is known for his unique defensive strategies as a defensive tackle. Growing up in Samoa, his athletic prowess led him to America where he is currently associated with the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).

Ekuale began his education at the Nuʻuuli Vocational Technical High School, where he initially showcased his athletic capabilities. He was soon recognized as the best college prospect of his class in American Samoa by multiple recruiting services. Even though he had multiple opportunities to choose between universities in Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington, Ekuale committed to Washington State University after initially committing to Hawaii.

For the following five years, Ekuale proved to be an invaluable addition to the Washington State Cougars. Making the most of his redshirt freshman season, he honed his skills before becoming the starter at nose tackle over the next few years. Notably, during his redshirt junior season, Ekuale recorded a career-high 23 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a sack, bringing his sheer strength and determination to the forefront.

As he entered his redshirt senior season, his impressive record put him on the coveted watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Adding to his growing list of achievements, Ekuale made 17 tackles (3.5 for loss) and one sack and started in 12 of the 13 games for WSU. By the end of his collegiate career, he had made an astounding 71 total tackles (14 for loss), with three sacks and two forced fumbles under his belt.

Ekuale was not drafted after college, but his skills were well-recognized and he was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2018. While he was waived at the end of training camp, Ekuale did not let this damper his ambitions. Instead, he returned to the Browns’ practice squad on September 2, 2018. Despite facing a four-game suspension in December 2018 for violating the NFL’s substance policy, Ekuale demonstrated resilience and tenacity.

Starting a new chapter of his professional journey, Ekuale signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on January 2, 2019. After making the 53-man roster out of training camp, he made his official NFL debut on September 8, 2019, against the Tennessee Titans. However, Ekuale was placed on injured reserve following a calf injury he suffered while playing against the New England Patriots in Week 8. Despite the injury, he ended the season with four tackles, including one for a loss, in the seven games he played.

However, Ekuale’s journey with the Browns ended on September 5, 2020, when he was waived. Only days later, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on September 8, 2020, and soon after, was promoted to the active roster on September 28, 2020. Ekuale demonstrated his talent and resilience again in Week 13, recording his first career sack on Kirk Cousins during the 27–24 overtime loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite his successful stint with the Jaguars, Ekuale was waived on August 31, 2021. But, showing his consistent determination, he was signed to the Patriots practice squad on September 5, 2021. Ekuale spent the entire 2021 regular season honing his skills on the Patriots’ practice squad and was elevated to the 53-man roster several times. On December 6, 2021, Ekuale had the opportunity to showcase his talent and potential, resulting in two tackles and a sack in the Patriots’ 14-10 win over the Buffalo Bills. Following this achievement, he secured a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on January 25, 2022.

However, Ekuale’s 2022 season began with a setback as he was suspended for the first two games. After his suspension ended, he re-signed with the Patriots on March 23, 2023. Ekuale had an unforeseen injury just in Week 3, suffering a torn biceps, which led to him being placed on injured reserve on September 26. Despite these setbacks, Daniel Ekuale’s commitment and dedication to the sport and his team remain unscathed. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers all around the world.