Sione Takitaki

Sione Takitaki Bio

Sione Takitaki is an American professional football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Takitaki has established himself as a reliable linebacker with significant contributions across his NFL career, including interceptions, tackles, and key defensive plays that have influenced game outcomes.

Early Life and Background

Sione Takitaki was born on June 8, 1995, in Fontana, California. He grew up in Romoland, California, where he attended Heritage High School. Takitaki is of Tongan descent and was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the youngest of seven children, with four sisters and two brothers. His father, Vaimaua Takitaki, passed away when Sione was 14 years old. His religious faith played a significant role in shaping his future decisions, particularly his choice to attend Brigham Young University.

Path to American Football

During his high school years at Heritage High School in Romoland, California, Takitaki developed his skills as a football player. His strong academic standing and athletic ability positioned him for collegiate opportunities. After graduating from Heritage High School, he received an opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level. His Tongan heritage and Latter-day Saint background became influential factors in his college selection process, leading him to choose Brigham Young University.

Sione Takitaki Career

College Career (2014–2018)

Takitaki played college football at Brigham Young University from 2014 to 2018. Over four seasons with the Cougars, he recorded 237 tackles, including 32.5 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks. As a senior in 2018, he served as a team captain and led the Cougars with 118 tackles, demonstrating his leadership abilities and defensive prowess at the collegiate level.

Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2019–2023)

Takitaki was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round with the 80th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. His second season in 2020 proved to be a breakthrough year. In Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded his first career interception by picking off a pass from Carson Wentz and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown during the 22-17 victory. In Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, he recorded his first career sack on Lamar Jackson during the 47-42 loss. During the 2020 playoffs, Takitaki made the biggest play of his career in the AFC Wildcard game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, intercepting a pass from Ben Roethlisberger with 3:16 left in the fourth quarter to seal a 48-37 victory. In 2022, Takitaki entered the season as a starting linebacker alongside Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 and was placed on injured reserve on December 7, 2022. On March 16, 2023, Takitaki signed a one-year contract extension with the Browns.

New England Patriots Era (2024)

On March 14, 2024, Takitaki signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots. He was placed on the reserve/PUP list to begin the season and was activated on October 12, 2024. Takitaki was released by the Patriots on February 19, 2025.

Minnesota Vikings Era (2025–Present)

On September 11, 2025, Takitaki signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He worked toward earning a spot on the active roster during the 2025 season.

Notable Events and Milestones

Takitaki’s most notable career moment came during the 2020 NFL playoffs when his interception against Ben Roethlisberger secured the Browns’ first playoff victory since 1994. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has been a hallmark of his career. His 50-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Eagles in 2020 showcased his playmaking ability and instincts for the ball.

Sione Takitaki Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Takitaki has accumulated significant statistics across the regular season. His defensive contributions include tackles, sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles that have helped his teams’ defenses.

NFL Career Highlights

In his NFL career statistics as of 2024, Takitaki has recorded 289 total tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 4 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. His standout season came in 2020 when he recorded his first career interception return for a touchdown and his first career sack. His playoff interception against Pittsburgh remains one of the defining moments of his career.

Other Performances

Beyond his NFL statistics, Takitaki’s collegiate career at Brigham Young University demonstrated his ability to be a productive defender, with his senior season leadership and tackle numbers highlighting his potential as a professional.

Sione Takitaki Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Takitaki was born to father Vaimaua and mother Fissipeau. He is of Tongan descent and was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the youngest of seven children, growing up with four sisters and two brothers. His father died when Takitaki was 14 years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother and extended family.

Personal Life

Takitaki married Alyssa Penney on June 14, 2016, in Sacramento, California. The couple has one child together, a son named Zion, born in 2024. Takitaki maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle sionetakitaki. His religious faith has remained an important part of his life since his upbringing in the Latter-day Saints church.

2025 Season Performance

Takitaki joined the Minnesota Vikings organization in September 2025, signing with their practice squad after his release from the New England Patriots earlier that year. He continued to work toward earning a spot on the Vikings’ active roster during the 2025 season. His experience as a starting linebacker and his proven track record of making critical plays provided the Vikings with experienced depth at the linebacker position. Takitaki’s journey through the NFL, from being a third-round draft pick to contributing on multiple teams, demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the sport.