Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu Bio
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu is an American professional football guard who currently plays for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 25, 1999, in Palmer, Alaska, he has built his career through a journey from junior college football to becoming a draft pick in the NFL. Aumavae-Laulu played college football at Navarro College before transferring to the University of Oregon, where he developed into a four-star recruit. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 199th overall pick, beginning his professional football career.
Early Life and Background
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu was born and raised in Palmer, Alaska, a community located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley north of Anchorage. Growing up in Alaska, he attended Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, during his high school years. His athletic frame and physical attributes became apparent early, setting the foundation for his future as an offensive lineman. After high school, he began his collegiate football journey at the junior college level.
Path to American Football
Aumavae-Laulu started his college football career at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, playing for the Bulldogs from 2017 to 2018. His performance at the junior college level caught the attention of major programs across the country. As a junior college transfer, he earned a four-star recruit rating from 247Sports.com, reflecting his status as one of the top junior college prospects in the nation. His success at Navarro College ultimately led to scholarship offers from several prestigious football programs.
On June 24, 2018, Aumavae-Laulu made his college commitment, choosing to continue his football career at the University of Oregon. He selected the Ducks over offers from programs including Baylor, Alabama, and Arkansas. This decision marked his transition to Division I football at the Power Five conference level, representing a significant step in his development as a professional prospect.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Upon joining the Oregon Ducks, Aumavae-Laulu transitioned to play at the highest level of college football in the Pac-12 Conference. His size, measuring 6 feet 5 inches and 344 pounds, made him a formidable presence on the offensive line. At Oregon, he refined his technique and adapted to the faster pace of Division I competition. His journey from junior college to Power Five football demonstrated his ability to compete against higher-level talent.
Over four seasons with the Ducks from 2019 to 2022, Aumavae-Laulu developed into a ready-for-NFL talent. His combination of size, footwork, and football intelligence positioned him well for the professional ranks. By the time he completed his collegiate career, he had attracted the attention of NFL scouts looking for depth along the offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2023–2024)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 199th overall pick. This selection marked his official entry into professional football, fulfilling his dream of reaching the NFL. Joining an organization with a strong football tradition, Aumavae-Laulu began his professional development under the guidance of experienced coaches and veteran offensive linemen.
During his rookie season and into 2024, he worked to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL schemes. On October 15, 2024, the Ravens released Aumavae-Laulu from their active roster but re-signed him to the practice squad, demonstrating the team’s continued interest in his development. This period allowed him to refine his skills while remaining part of the organization.
Seattle Seahawks (2025)
Following his time with the Ravens organization, Aumavae-Laulu signed with the Seattle Seahawks. On February 3, 2025, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Seattle, providing him an opportunity with another NFL franchise. This move represented a fresh start and a chance to compete for a spot on an active roster. However, his tenure with the Seahawks ended when he was waived on May 20, 2025.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
Aumavae-Laulu continued his NFL journey by joining the Washington Commanders organization. On December 31, 2025, he was signed to the Commanders practice squad, a common pathway for players seeking to prove themselves at the professional level. Shortly after, on January 5, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Washington, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season. This progression through multiple organizations reflects the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot as an offensive lineman.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an offensive guard, Aumavae-Laulu brings impressive physical dimensions to the field at 6 feet 5 inches and 344 pounds. His size provides him with the anchor needed to handle powerful defensive linemen in the NFL. His background developing through junior college and transitioning to Power Five competition demonstrates his adaptability and football intelligence. The ability to compete at multiple levels of football has shaped him into a fundamentally sound player capable of learning different offensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Being drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft represented the culmination of Aumavae-Laulu’s journey from Palmer, Alaska, through the junior college ranks to Division I football. Being selected in the sixth round despite competition from programs like Alabama and Arkansas highlights the respect he earned through his collegiate performance. His continued roster movement across multiple NFL franchises demonstrates the perseverance required to maintain a professional football career.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Aumavae-Laulu has appeared in limited games as he continues to develop at the professional level. His experience spans three organizations in his first few seasons, reflecting the typical path for mid-round draft picks working to establish themselves in the league.
| Team | Games Played |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 2 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Aumavae-Laulu as he moved between NFL organizations. After beginning the year with the Baltimore Ravens organization, he joined the Seattle Seahawks via a reserve/futures contract in February 2025. Although his time with Seattle concluded with a waiver in May, he quickly found another opportunity with the Washington Commanders practice squad at the end of the year. His ability to remain in the league despite roster changes demonstrates the demand for offensive line depth in the NFL.
Signing a reserve/futures contract with the Washington Commanders in January 2026 positioned Aumavae-Laulu for a fresh opportunity with a new team. The Commanders have been building their roster with young talent, providing a potential long-term fit for the Alaskan-born guard. As he enters the 2026 season, Aumavae-Laulu will look to earn a more significant role with the organization and contribute to the team’s offensive line rotation.