Latest news with #TuliTuipulotu
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
USC star Tuli Tuipulotu is due for a big year with Chargers
Former USC edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has high expectations this season. He intends to take on a bigger role with the Los Angeles Chargers. In a recent USC Trojans on Sports Illustrated article, Gabriel Duarte lays out Tuli Tuipulotu's great development with the Chargers and how a breakout season could be coming this year. "One of the best players in recent memory to suit up for the USC Trojans, linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, has been making his presence felt in the NFL. Tuipulotu has quietly become a reliable member of the Chargers' defensive unit since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After earning a role as a rookie in 2023, Tuipulotu exploded for double the amount of sacks in his second season with Los Angeles. The former USC Trojans star heads into his third season as one of the leaders of the Chargers' defense. "As a rookie in 2023, Tuipulotu impressed early on during fall camp and earned a role along Los Angeles' defensive front. He posted 4.5 sacks and 53 tackles before doubling his sack total in 2024. The California native had 8.5 sacks, but saw a decrease in his tackles with only 42 this past season. With Bosa gone, it will be interesting to see how opposing offenses scheme around Tuipulotu. If Mack is able to stay healthy, he should be able to offer a sizable threat opposite of Tuipulotu, even at age 34." The edge rusher opposite of Khalil Mack is a position that has Tuli's name all over it. After last season's ascension, he is coming for even more this year. Khalil Mack is one of the most dominant edges in the NFL this decade. He has done a great job mentoring Tuli Tuipulotu and he will help him become a top edge rusher in the NFL. Joey Bosa being unreliable and expensive made the Chargers' decision very easy to focus on Tuli. He hasn't missed a game yet since coming into the NFL and has gotten better each season. Year 3 for Tuli Tuipulotu should be another step in the right direction and we should see him eclipse 10 sacks. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Tuli Tuipulotu could take it up a notch this year with Chargers
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Tuli Tuipulotu the next Joey Bosa for the Chargers? Edge rusher 'does it all'
Tuli Tuipulotu is still finding his voice. Naturally, he speaks through force on the field — a relentless pass rusher with a patented spin move that is disruptive to most offenses. Yet the third-year edge rusher for the Chargers remains reserved and soft-spoken in the locker room, still growing into his presence. 'He's a quiet dude,' said Khalil Mack. 'But when he speaks up, everybody listens.' In the past, the homegrown talent — a Lawndale High product who played just 10 minutes from the Chargers' facility — identified himself as an 'underdog.' Now, he's coming into his own vocally, stepping out of that label and doing it so convincingly that Mack, a future Hall of Famer, wants even more from him. Read more: With Mike Williams gone, Quentin Johnston confident he can deliver for Chargers 'When we're on the field, signals being called on the sidelines, he kind of calls it,' Mack added. 'He's always been that guy anyway. Just to hear him speak in the room and speak in a group, amongst the defense, everybody hears him loud and clear.' Since his rookie year, Tuipulotu has filled in as a spot starter. But with franchise stalwart Joey Bosa's departure to Buffalo in the offseason, Tuipulotu could be primed for a breakout season, becoming a central piece in what was the top-ranked defense last season. Even with more snaps and higher expectations, his standard hasn't changed. 'I've been starting since my rookie year, and if that's my role this year, then it's going to feel the same,' Tuipulotu said. 'I don't think it's anything different from what I've been doing.' What has changed is Tuipulotu's role as a leader. Read more: Chargers got more 'Tongan Power' than expected when they drafted Tuli Tuipulotu 'That comes with credibility,' he said. 'You can't just talk and not have stuff to back you up. I wouldn't say I've been talking too much, but I've been talking enough.' Last season, Tuipulotu boosted his credibility by filling in for Mack, who missed time because of an injury, and Bosa, who could never get fully healthy when trying to return from injury. Despite starting just nine games, Tuipulotu logged 732 defensive snaps — a heavy workload that showcased his rising potential. He led the Chargers with 8½ sacks and emerged as a key piece of a defense that ranked top seven in total sacks (46). The conversation now shifts to Tuipulotu's ceiling. With Bosa gone, he'll take over a starting role and see a major uptick in snaps. Still, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and veterans such as Mack remain measured — careful not to pile too much pressure or expectation on the 22-year-old. Even so, those around him can't help but be impressed by his playmaking ability and growing comfort in Year 2 of Minter's system. 'The really good players — can they do what you want them to do, but also have that little magic where sometimes they go outside of their realm and make a play?' Minter said. 'They've always been that way, and he can be that.' Opposite him on the edge, Mack says he is 'taking all the steps and is playing all the different roles — inside, outside, dropping [into coverage]. He does it all.' 'I want to see him ball and make plays this year,' Mack added. 'Not putting too much on him. I know what I expect from him this year … [It's] just letting it happen naturally, just putting the action to it and not speaking on it too much.' Early in his career, Tuipulotu's versatility kept him on the field, particularly on special teams — a role that might now take a back seat despite his influence. As a backup, he logged 339 snaps on kickoff and field-goal units, second most on the team. While Tuipulotu stays willing to contribute wherever needed, his coaches remain cautious, careful not to overextend him or slow his defensive development. Read more: With Chargers back in San Diego, players hope to win back their traditional fan base 'You wish you could clone and have a bunch of him,' special teams coach Ryan Ficken said. 'But there's some give and take. Now you gotta take [his starting role] into consideration. … He wants to do it all. He wants to play on all those phases, and it's just going to depend on the situation.' Those around Tuipulotu are noticing his growing confidence — through his actions on the field and his voice off it. Building that confidence has been a key focus early in training camp, and he aims to carry it through the season. With his elevated responsibilities, confidence will be key to his success as he steps into a new position that comes with leadership expectations and greater demands. For now, though, he isn't making it bigger than it needs to be. 'It's a game,' Tuipulotu said, nonchalantly. 'It's not hard to go out there and do your best. This is what we do. This is what we love to do.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 12 EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
The Chargers are gearing up for the new season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team's success this season. Every day from now until the start of training camp, we're counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year. Advertisement Next up at No. 12 is edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. Background Age: 22 Position: Edge rusher Experience: 3rd season 2025 cap hit: $1.19 million 2024 recap In Tuipulotu's second season in the league, he played in all 17 games, with nine starts, which came when injuries occurred to Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa. He led the Chargers in sacks with 8.5. He was also 16th among qualified edge rushers in pressure rate with 14.9%. While he was steady as a pass rusher, Tuipulotu wasn't as effective as a run defender as he was in his rookie season. In Year 1, he posted an 88.4 run-defense grade in 2023, and that number dropped to 65.3 last season. Advertisement 2025 season With Joey Bosa now with the Bills, Tuipulotu is set up to start opposite Mack. Despite a career-high in sacks in 2024, Tuipulotu seemed to be more dependable in the pass-rush department in his rookie season. He must regain that consistency to continue to make the edge rusher group a strength of the defense. Nonetheless, the traits and talent are there for Tuipulotu to excel in the starting role. Veteran Bud Dupree and rookie Kyle Kennard will be behind Mack and Tuipulotu. Big question: Can Tulipulotu successfully transition from a complementary role to a starting role? We're counting down our 30 Most Important Chargers of 2025. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp. Advertisement 20. OL Bradley Bozeman 19. LB Junior Colson 18. TE Oronde Gadsden II 17. S Elijah Molden 16. RB Najee Harris 15. CB Cam Hart 14. DL Teair Tart 13. WR Tre Harris 12. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu 11. TBA 10. TBA 9. TBA 8. TBA 7. TBA 6. TBA 5. TBA 4. TBA 3. TBA 2. TBA 1. TBA This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 12 EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Tuli Tuipulotu stats, game log, news, injury status
Tuli Tuipulotu stats, game log, news, injury status Tuli Tuipulotu will be ready to play when his Los Angeles Chargers open the 2025 season against the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET. On defense last year, Tuipulotu helped lead the charge with 38 tackles, 11.0 TFL, 8.5 sacks, and two passes defended in 15 games. Get Chargers tickets on StubHub! Tuli Tuipulotu injury news Tuipulotu is currently not on this week's injury list. Tuli Tuipulotu stats (2024) Tackles: 38 38 Tackles for loss: 11.0 11.0 Sacks: 8.5 8.5 Passes defended: 2 Tuipulotu game log (2024) Week 2 at Panthers: 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 3 at Steelers: 4 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 4 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 4 vs. Chiefs: 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 6 at Broncos: 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 7 at Cardinals: 3 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 3 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 8 vs. Saints: 2 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 1 PD 2 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 9 at Browns: 4 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 2.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 4 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 2.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 10 vs. Titans: 5 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 2.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 5 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 2.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 11 vs. Bengals: 4 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 1.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 4 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 1.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 12 vs. Ravens: 2 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 2 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 13 at Falcons: 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 1 Tackle (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 14 at Chiefs: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.5 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 16 vs. Broncos: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 17 at Patriots: 2 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 0 PD 2 Tackles (2.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 18 at Raiders: 0 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Next game: Tuli Tuipulotu vs. the Kansas City Chiefs Tuipulotu's Los Angeles Chargers (0-0) have a Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs (0-0). How to watch Tuli Tuipulotu and the Chargers Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Time: 8 p.m. ET 8 p.m. ET Date: September 5, 2025 September 5, 2025 TV: YouTube Watch the NFL on Fubo!
