Folorunso Fatukasi

Folorunso Fatukasi's Biography

Folorunso Ifeyinka, known widely as “Foley” Fatukasi, was born on March 4, 1995, and is a distinguished figure within American professional football. He presently plays as a defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, an eminent team in the National Football League (NFL). The latter part of his esteemed career has been marked with relentless determination and unyielding dedication, placing him as a respectable figure within his profession.

Fatukasi hails from a Nigerian background that instilled in him a strong work ethic and the pursuit of excellence from his early years. This intrinsic passion for football paved the way for his later achievements, beginning with his fruitful stint at UConn during his college years.

In 2015, his significant performances were recognized on a wider scale as he was listed as an honorable mention on the All-American Athletic Conference football team. This acknowledgment served as a testament to his formidable athletic capabilities, marking the early indicator of an impressive career.

In the 2018 NFL draft, Fatukasi was selected by the illustrious New York Jets in the sixth round. The notable position as the 180th overall draft pick positioned him on a platform that had witnessed several historical players who preceded him.

Fatukasi’s rookie season in 2018 was marked by modest beginnings. He played in just one game, participating in merely three defensive snaps. Despite being inactive for the other 15 games, Fatukasi made his NFL debut on November 25, 2018, playing against the powerhouse New England Patriots.

The subsequent year in 2019 saw him appearing in 14 games as a reserve, where he achieved 27 total tackles, 7 tackles-for-loss, and 3 quarterback hits. He eventually recorded his first career sack in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a feat indicative of his much larger potential.

By 2020, Fatukasi had risen to start 8 games out of the 15 he appeared in, marking a significant increase from his previous season. His recorded stats saw a similar increase with 42 total tackles, 6 tackles-for-loss, and 5 quarterback hits. He added 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, cementing his place as a valued player on his team.

However, 2020 posed a challenge when Fatukasi was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 17th but was promptly activated on December 22nd.

Fatukasi continued showcasing his skills into 2021, as he played in 15 games with the Jets, starting in all of them. He achieved 46 total tackles, 5 tackles-for-loss, and 6 quarterback hits, playing a career-high 53% of defensive snaps.

March 2022 became a turning point in Fatukasi’s career when he signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His first season saw him making 13 starts in 14 games, notching 24 total tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, 3 quarterback hits, and 3 passes defensed.

Despite his promising performances, Fatukasi was unexpectedly released on March 5, 2024. However, he quickly bounced back by signing with the Houston Texans on March 19, 2024.

In a testament to his familial strength and legacy, Fatukasi’s brother, Olakunle Fatukasi, has also made a name for himself within the world of professional football, playing as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams. Through their individual pursuits, the Fatukasi brothers embody the diversity and talent that can be found within the world of professional football, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport’s history.