A.J. Epenesa Bio
Andrew Jared Epenesa, commonly known as A.J. Epenesa, is an American professional football defensive end for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 265 pounds during his professional career, Epenesa plays as a rotational pass rusher along the Bills’ defensive front.
He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes before being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Of Samoan heritage, Epenesa has developed into a steady contributor on a perennial AFC contender while continuing to expand his role within the Buffalo defense.
Early Life and Background
A.J. Epenesa was born on September 15, 1998, in Oak Park, Kansas, but grew up in the Edwardsville, Illinois area. He attended Edwardsville High School, where he became one of the most decorated two-sport athletes in the program’s recent history. He earned All-American honors in both football and track and field, showcasing the blend of power and athleticism that would later define his professional profile.
His father, Eppy Epenesa, walked on to the Iowa football team after moving from American Samoa, establishing a family connection to the Hawkeyes program. A.J. leaned toward Iowa throughout the recruiting process and committed to the school on January 17, 2016. He became the highest-rated recruit to play for a Kirk Ferentz-led team at Iowa.
Outside of football, Epenesa won Illinois state titles in the discus throw during both his junior and senior years. He also played in the Army All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl following his senior season, experiences that further raised his national profile.
Path to American Football
Epenesa entered the Iowa Hawkeyes program as one of the most celebrated defensive line recruits in recent Big Ten history. After his freshman season, he was named to the All-Freshman Big Ten Conference team, signaling his early impact. His first collegiate sack came against future Buffalo Bills teammate Josh Allen during a game against Wyoming, an early sign of his pass-rushing instincts.
During his sophomore season, Epenesa did not start any games but still posted 11 sacks, a figure that led the Big Ten, along with four fumble recoveries that tied for the conference lead. He earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors after games against Iowa State and Illinois and was named first-team All-Big Ten by the media and second-team by the coaches.
Before his junior year, Epenesa was projected as a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, with some estimations placing him as high as second overall. Following a junior season with 11.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 49 tackles, he announced that he would forgo his senior year and declare for the draft. He finished his Iowa career tied for fourth on the program’s all-time sacks list.
A.J. Epenesa Career
Early Career (2020 Rookie Season)
The Buffalo Bills selected Epenesa in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $5.877 million contract, including a $1.834 million signing bonus, with the Bills on May 7, 2020. The deal reflected the team’s belief that the young defensive end could grow into a key rotational piece.
In Week 3 of the 2020 season, Epenesa recorded his first career sack in a 35–32 win over the Los Angeles Rams, tackling quarterback Jared Goff during the first quarter. He finished his rookie year with one sack and 14 tackles while playing mainly as a backup defensive end. By season’s end, he had earned a more prominent role and trimmed down by 20 pounds from his college playing weight of 280 pounds.
NFL Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Following the drafting of Gregory Rousseau in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and the Bills’ signing of All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller in the 2022 offseason, Epenesa settled into a rotational role along the Buffalo defensive line. He produced a strong performance during a 35–0 Bills win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 of the 2021 season, recording a team-leading eight quarterback pressures and two quarterback hits, including one that knocked Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out of the game.
Epenesa had a breakout season in 2022, recording 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 14 quarterback pressures, 16 total tackles, 5 passes deflected, and a fumble recovery, all career highs. In Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was ejected late in the game after elbowing referee John Hussey following a brief ruckus between the teams. His best game of the season came against the New York Jets in Week 14, when he posted a sack, five tackles, and a pass breakup on the Jets’ final offensive snap to seal a 20–12 Bills win.
Buffalo Bills Era (2023–Present)
In Week 3 of the 2023 season against the Washington Commanders, Epenesa scored his first career defensive touchdown, intercepting Washington quarterback Sam Howell and returning the pass for a 32-yard score during the Bills’ 37–3 win. The play made him the first alumnus of Edwardsville High School to score a touchdown in the NFL since Morris Bradshaw in 1982.
On March 11, 2024, Epenesa signed a two-year contract extension with the Bills, locking him in through the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He has continued to serve as a versatile contributor along the defensive front, helping Buffalo remain a consistent contender in the AFC.
Driving Style and Strengths
Epenesa is known for combining edge-rushing power with disciplined hand technique, allowing him to hold up against both the run and the pass. His background as a state champion discus thrower gives him a strong base and leverage at the line of scrimmage, while his conditioning work has helped him maintain quickness off the snap.
Notable Events and Milestones
Signature moments include his first NFL sack against Jared Goff, his game-sealing play against the New York Jets in 2022, and his interception return for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders in 2023. His 2022 breakout season stands as a defining milestone of his early career.
A.J. Epenesa Career Wins
A.J. Epenesa has notched career highs of 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 14 quarterback pressures during the 2022 NFL season, establishing himself as a reliable contributor on the Buffalo Bills’ defensive line.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
Epenesa’s first NFL sack came against Jared Goff in Week 3 of the 2020 season, and he has since produced multiple multi-pressure games against division rivals. His 6.5 sacks in 2022 represented a major step forward, and his 2023 interception return for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders marked his first career score.
College Honors
At Iowa, Epenesa earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2018 and 2019, was a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week multiple times, and finished tied for fourth on Iowa’s all-time sacks list. He was also a finalist for the Polynesian College Player of the Year Award in 2018.
A.J. Epenesa Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Epenesa’s father, Eppy, walked on to the Iowa football team after moving from American Samoa, giving A.J. an early and direct link to the Hawkeyes program. The family is of Samoan heritage, and A.J. has remained closely connected to his Polynesian roots throughout his career.
Personal Life
Epenesa’s cousin, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, is a professional defensive end who has played in the NFL. His second cousin is Riley Patterson, a kicker for the Miami Dolphins, while another cousin, Dominick Puni, is an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers who previously played at Kansas. Epenesa’s youngest brother, Iose, plays defensive line for Iowa. He also grew up and attended high school with professional basketball player Kate Martin, whose father Matt Martin was one of his football and track coaches at Edwardsville High School.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, A.J. Epenesa is entering the second year of a two-year contract extension signed with the Buffalo Bills in March 2024. He remains a key rotational defensive end on a Bills team that continues to compete in the AFC East and the broader conference playoff picture.
Epenesa will look to build on his 2023 interception return for a touchdown and his 2022 career-best 6.5 sacks as he aims to deliver more consistent pressure off the edge. His familiarity with the Bills’ defensive scheme and his continued development as a versatile front-seven player position him as a steady contributor for Buffalo.
With the Bills aiming to remain among the AFC’s top contenders, Epenesa’s mix of run defense, pass-rush ability, and veteran presence along the defensive line figures to play an important role in the team’s 2025 outlook.