History of Vita Vea in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 29, 2025

Vita Vea is a professional American football nose tackle currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Washington before being drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. A key player for the Buccaneers, Vea contributed to the team's Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl the following year.

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Full Timeline

February 5, 1995: Vita Vea Born

On February 5, 1995, Tevita Tuliʻakiʻono Tuipulotu Mosese Vaʻhae Fehoko Faletau "Vita" Vea was born. He is an American professional football nose tackle.

Others born on this day/year

2017: Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year

In 2017, Vita Vea was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and won the Morris Trophy for his performance as a junior.

January 2, 2018: Vita Vea Declares for 2018 NFL Draft

On January 2, 2018, Vita Vea declared his intention to enter the 2018 NFL draft after a successful junior year.

2018: Vita Vea at the NFL Combine

In 2018, Vita Vea participated in the NFL Combine but was unable to complete all drills due to a hamstring injury.

2018: Vita Vea Drafted to the Buccaneers

In 2018, Vita Vea was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL draft.

2018: Vita Vea Drafted

In 2018, Vita Vea was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL draft as the 12th overall pick.

October 13, 2020: Vita Vea Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 13, 2020, Vita Vea was placed on injured reserve due to fractures in his right leg and ankle sustained during a game.

November 28, 2020: Vita Vea Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List

On November 28, 2020, Vita Vea was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

January 22, 2021: Vita Vea Activated from Injured Reserve

On January 22, 2021, Vita Vea was activated from injured reserve after recovering from leg and ankle fractures.

April 26, 2021: Buccaneers Pick Up Vea's Fifth-Year Option

On April 26, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exercised Vita Vea's fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $7.6 million for the 2022 season.

January 8, 2022: Vita Vea Signs Extension & Selected for Pro Bowl

On January 8, 2022, Vita Vea signed a four-year, $73 million contract extension with the Buccaneers, and was selected to his first career Pro Bowl as an alternate.

2022: Vita Vea's 2022 Season

In the 2022 season, Vita Vea started 14 games, recording 6.5 sacks and 31 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

2023: Vita Vea's 2023 Season

In the 2023 season, Vita Vea started 15 games, recording 5.5 sacks and 43 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and served as a team captain.

2024: Vea's Performance in 2024 Season

In the 2024 season, Vita Vea demonstrated exceptional performance, leading the NFC in Pro Bowl votes for defensive tackles as of Week 15 and achieving a career-high nine tackles for loss, as noted by BucsNation and Sports Illustrated.