2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tongiaki Mateialona, LB, University of Nevada

- Name:Tongiaki Mateialona
- Position: LB
- College: University of Nevada
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 235 lbs
- X (Twitter): @t_mateialona11
- Instagram: @t_mateialona4
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
When I learned how to actually play the game and experienced what the game can do for me and how it can help me take care of my family, I decided to commit to it.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My favorite moments from my football life was connecting with different people who I probably would have never met if I wasn’t playing football at the college level.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
As a football player going forward I want to work to be one of the best players at my position.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
If I could hang out with any football player it would be Luke Kuechly because he’s one of the smartest linebackers in the league even to today, and I want to learn a lot of game at the linebacker position.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My mom inspires me the most. Growing up she took care of me and my brothers all by herself when my dad was in prison all my life, not even showing that she was going through it. I just want to make sure that she doesn’t have to work anymore, and that my family is taken care of.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
This is tricky because as an inside backer I like playing in a 4-2-5 because I enjoy playing in the box, while still being able to cover ground in my drops and showing my athleticism. As an outside linebacker, I enjoy playing in a 3-4 because I can be able to play off the edge or drop. This way I can play the game within the game with the tackle.
What should we know about Tongiaki Mateialona the person?
One thing you should know about me is that I am always poised in whatever situation I am in. If there is a lot of pressure or obstacles in my way, I will always find a way to get through it while remaining calm. A lot of experiences I had growing up helped shape this.
What stands out about your film the most?
What stands out about my film the most is my relentless energy for the game. I am a backer with high football IQ and I play with that warrior mentality so I don’t back down to nobody on the field. I like to HIT whoever whether you have the ball or not.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Whenever I have any challenges in life or on the field, I just keep my composure and talk to God. Nothing I have had to overcome was as challenging as my upbringing so I know it will get better later on.
What would a team get in a player like you?
Any team that gets me would have a natural leader by example that will help bring the program up, while also being able to follow and take in the game because I know there’s still a lot to learn.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
I love everything that the game comes with. From being able to take care of my family, getting my college degree for free, to meeting people that I can call brothers, networking in businesses, staying fit, hitting people without getting in trouble for it, and doing this for a living while being able to play on tv. I just love everything that the game has done and still can do for me.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
The most underrated player that I have ever played with is either Toa Taua, or Isaiah World. These players are one of the most hard working dogs I’ve ever played with and they always put on a show every Saturday.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen