History of Laiatu Latu in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 6, 2025

Laiatu Latu is a professional American football player currently playing defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He played college football at both Washington and UCLA, achieving significant recognition at UCLA in 2023 including being named a unanimous All-American and winning the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Awards. He was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, being the first defensive player selected after a series of offensive picks.

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Full Timeline

December 31, 2000: Laiatu Latu's Birth

On December 31, 2000, Laiatu Latu was born. He is an American professional football defensive end.

Others born on this day/year

2019: Joins Washington Huskies

In 2019, Laiatu Latu began his college career with the Washington Huskies, playing in 12 games as a freshman and recording 16 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

2020: Neck Injury

In 2020, Latu suffered a neck injury during fall practices and did not play in any of Washington's four games during the COVID-shortened season.

March 2021: Neck Surgery

In March 2021, Laiatu Latu underwent surgery on his neck in an attempt to alleviate a nerve issue.

September 2021: Medical Clearance

In September 2021, Laiatu Latu received medical clearance from Dr. Robert Watkins in California to resume playing football after seeking multiple medical opinions.

December 2022: Comeback Player of the Year

In December 2022, Laiatu Latu was named one of three comeback players of the year in college football.

2023: Latu Wins Awards

In 2023, Laiatu Latu achieved significant recognition, winning the Lombardi Award and the Ted Hendricks Award. He was also named Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American selection. Latu led the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.8) and had 13.0 sacks for the year.

2024: Latu Drafted by Colts

In 2024, Laiatu Latu was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as the 15th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. He was the first defensive player selected.