Manti Te'o spent multiple seasons in the National Football League, contributing on special teams and as a linebacker for several clubs. His on field durability and consistency allowed him to appear in a large number of games across his career.
Below is a detailed overview of how long Manti Te'o played in the NFL, including season by season activity, team changes, and key performance context.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | San Diego Chargers | 16 | 36 | 1.0 |
| 2014 | New Orleans Saints | 15 | 27 | 0.0 |
| 2015 | New Orleans Saints | 16 | 21 | 1.0 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Chargers | 11 | 15 | 0.0 |
| 2017 | Cincinnati Bengals | 10 | 12 | 0.0 |
| 2018 | Baltimore Ravens | 16 | 19 | 0.0 |
| 2019 | Baltimore Ravens | 16 | 10 | 0.0 |
2013 Entry And San Diego Chargers Tenure
Manti Te'o entered the NFL after a strong collegiate career and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2013 draft. During his rookie season, he appeared in all 16 regular season games, primarily on special teams and as a rotational linebacker.
New Orleans Saints Period And Continued Availability
Te'o signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2014 and remained with the franchise through the 2015 season. He played 15 games in 2014 and 16 games in 2015, serving as a steady presence on special teams and providing depth at linebacker.
Chargers Return And Later Career Stability
After leaving New Orleans, Te'o returned to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016, appearing in 11 games. He then spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 and closed his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 and 2019, adding another 32 games across those final two seasons.
Career Longevity And Consistency
Across seven seasons, Manti Te'o recorded 104 regular season games played, demonstrating durability and value as a special teams contributor. His ability to stay healthy and remain a core member of multiple special teams units defined his professional tenure.
Statistical Summary By Team
Tracking his performance helps contextualize how long Manti Te'o play in the NFL and the scope of his contributions.
Key Takeaways And Recommendations
- Manti Te'o played 104 regular season games over seven seasons, showcasing consistent availability.
- His durability allowed him to contribute across multiple teams, especially on special teams.
- Te'o maintained value as a depth option and rotational linebacker throughout his career.
- Understanding his timeline helps contextualize his role in modern NFL defensive schemes.
- Reviewing game logs by season highlights steady participation and reliable performance.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many total games did Manti Te'o play in the NFL?
Manti Te'o appeared in 104 regular season games across his career, playing for the Chargers, Saints, Bengals, and Ravens between 2013 and 2019.
Which team did he play for the longest? His longest tenure was with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent parts of three seasons from 2014 to 2015, recording 31 games played over that stretch. Did he ever start a game during his NFL career?
While primarily a special teams player, Manti Te'o saw limited starting action and logged meaningful snaps as a rotational linebacker when injuries opened opportunities.
What year did his playing time decline significantly?
His snaps gradually decreased after 2017, with reduced participation in 2018 and 2019 as younger linebackers moved into prominent roles on Baltimore's defense.