Viliami Fehoko Jr. Bio
Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 16, 1999, in Stanford, California, he attended Saint Francis High School before playing college football for the San Jose State Spartans. Fehoko was named the 2022 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has also spent time with the Washington Commanders before joining the Colts.
Early Life and Background
Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. was born on December 16, 1999, in Stanford, California, and raised in East Palo Alto, California. He attended Saint Francis High School, where he played as a tight end for the football team. As a senior, he earned All-West Coast Athletic League recognition, Bay Area News Group first-team All-Bay Area honors, and San Francisco Chronicle honorable-mention All-Metro accolades. Beyond football, Fehoko was part of the East Palo Alto Razorbacks rugby club, an experience that helped shape his athletic foundation.
On February 3, 2018, Fehoko committed to San Jose State University to continue his football career. His versatility as a young athlete, combined with his rugby background, gave him a physical edge that college coaches would soon look to develop on the defensive side of the ball. Fehoko speaks Tongan and can also communicate in sign language, reflecting the diverse cultural influences in his upbringing.
Path to American Football
Fehoko arrived at San Jose State as a tight end, but the coaching staff quickly converted him into a defensive end. As a true freshman in 2018, he appeared in four conference games before redshirting and recorded five tackles, including three against the University of Wyoming. The position change sparked a rapid rise for the young defender.
The following season, Fehoko earned the starting role at left defensive end and produced 44 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and four pass deflections. By his sophomore year, he had become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Mountain West Conference, leading the conference in tackles for loss while earning his first first-team All-Mountain West selection. Each step along the way built momentum toward a professional career.
Viliami Fehoko Jr. Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Fehoko’s college career at San Jose State spanned five seasons and 48 games, during which he steadily developed into one of the conference’s premier defenders. As a sophomore in 2020, he started all eight games of the pandemic-shortened season and tallied 36 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery, leading the Mountain West in tackles for loss. He collected six tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack against the University of New Mexico, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors for the first time.
In his junior season of 2021, Fehoko started all 12 games and recorded 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and six deflected passes. He notched seven tackles against the University of Wyoming and was again named first-team All-Mountain West. During his senior campaign in 2022, he posted career highs with 69 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, adding two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one deflected pass. Standout performances included 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks against the University of Nevada, and five tackles with two sacks against Colorado State University. He was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Mountain West for the third consecutive season. Fehoko finished his career with 191 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, 14 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2024)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. in the fourth round, 129th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. During training camp, he was tried at defensive tackle but struggled with a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on November 18, 2023, and did not play a single snap during his rookie regular season. He spent 10 games on the inactive list and seven games on injured reserve before being activated on January 3, 2024.
In 2024, Fehoko began training camp at defensive tackle but was switched back to defensive end before the preseason. Despite Dallas losing defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency, he could not climb the depth chart. He was waived by the Cowboys with an injury designation on August 26, 2024, and was waived from injured reserve on September 3, 2024.
Washington Commanders Era (2024–2025)
On November 26, 2024, Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. signed with the practice squad of the Washington Commanders, reuniting with head coach Dan Quinn, who had been the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. On January 28, 2025, he signed a reserve and future contract with Washington. His time in Washington offered a fresh opportunity to develop under a familiar coaching staff.
Fehoko was waived with an injury designation on August 11, 2025, and reverted to injured reserve the following day after going unclaimed. He was released with an injury settlement a week later, closing his stint with the Commanders.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025–Present)
On November 18, 2025, Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills and pursue an active roster role with an AFC franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fehoko is known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage, an edge developed partly through his rugby background with the East Palo Alto Razorbacks. He has shown versatility by playing both defensive end and defensive tackle, and his college production in tackles for loss and sacks highlights his ability to disrupt opposing backfields. His communication skills, including sign language, also reflect a composed and adaptive approach to the game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fehoko’s signature college moment came in 2022 when he was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Mountain West for the third straight season. He finished his San Jose State career ranked second in school history with 46 tackles for loss and fifth with 23 sacks. His selection by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft marked the transition to professional football.
Viliami Fehoko Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. comes from a family with deep athletic ties, most notably as a second cousin of Vita Vea, the standout NFL defensive tackle. That family connection to the professional game has provided an ongoing influence on his own path in football.
Personal Life
Fehoko was raised in East Palo Alto, California, and maintains ties to the Bay Area community. He speaks Tongan and can communicate in sign language, reflecting the cultural and personal interests that shape his life off the field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Viliami Taopa Fehoko Jr. He opened the year with a reserve and future contract with the Washington Commanders after his 2024 stint on their practice squad. An injury in August 2025 led to his release with an injury settlement, briefly leaving his career status uncertain.
On November 18, 2025, Fehoko signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, providing a fresh platform to compete for an active roster role. The move signaled renewed momentum for the young defender as he looks to establish himself within a new organization.
Looking ahead, Fehoko’s focus will be on translating his college production into consistent professional opportunities with the Colts. With his combination of size, versatility, and pass-rushing instincts, he remains a developmental prospect with upside as Indianapolis evaluates its defensive front.