Joshua Enelangi Tupou is an American professional football nose tackle who currently plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 2, 1994, in Long Beach, California, Tupou has built a durable career as an undrafted free agent, spending multiple seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the New York Giants in 2026. Known for his run-stopping ability and physical presence on the defensive line, Tupou has contributed to several NFL organizations throughout his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Enelangi Tupou was born on May 2, 1994, in Long Beach, California. He attended Buena Park High School in California, where he began developing the skills that would later carry him to the collegiate level. During his high school career, Tupou established himself as a promising defensive lineman, attracting attention from college programs across the region.
Tupou continued his football journey at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played for the Colorado Buffaloes from 2012 to 2016. At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 350 pounds, he developed into a formidable nose tackle, mastering the techniques necessary to anchor a defensive line against opposing rushing attacks.
Path to Professional Football
After completing his collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes, Tupou entered the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite his experience and physical tools, he went undrafted. However, his performance during pre-draft evaluations caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to an opportunity that would launch his professional career.
Tupou signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017. This marked the beginning of his transition from college football to the professional ranks, where he would need to prove himself as a relatively undersized nose tackle in a league that demands exceptional physicality at the position.
Career
Cincinnati Bengals (2017–2023)
Tupou’s rookie season with the Bengals demonstrated the volatility of life as an undrafted player. He was waived on September 2, 2017, only to be signed to the practice squad the following day. The organization saw enough potential to promote him to the active roster on November 11, 2017. However, his tenure on the 53-man roster was brief, as he was waived again on November 21 and returned to the practice squad. The Bengals gave him another promotion on December 6, 2017, allowing him to finish his rookie season on the active roster.
The 2018 season brought challenges when Tupou suffered a torn pectoral injury during practice on November 22, forcing him to be placed on injured reserve. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season and required significant rehabilitation. He rebounded by re-signing with the Bengals on May 1, 2020, but faced another hurdle when he announced he would opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tupou demonstrated his value to the Bengals organization when he re-signed on March 17, 2022. During that season, he recorded his first career sack against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. The sack resulted in a concussion for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was forced to leave the game. This moment represented a milestone in Tupou’s career, showcasing his ability to impact games as a pass rusher despite his primary role as a run defender.
Baltimore Ravens (2024)
On May 28, 2024, Tupou signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining the organization led by head coach John Harbaugh. He was released on August 27 during roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad on October 28, demonstrating his value as depth along the defensive line. This stint with the Ravens would prove significant for his future career trajectory.
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
On July 28, 2025, Tupou joined the Indianapolis Colts. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster reductions before being signed to the practice squad the following day. He was subsequently released on September 1, continuing his journey through the NFL’s roster churn.
Baltimore Ravens (Second Stint, 2025)
Tupou returned to the Baltimore Ravens on September 24, 2025, signing to their practice squad. He was released on October 7 and re-signed to the practice squad one week later, continuing his pattern of bouncing between active rosters and practice squads throughout his career.
New York Giants (2026–Present)
On May 27, 2026, Tupou signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. This move reunited him with head coach John Harbaugh, under whom he had spent time on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. As a veteran presence on the defensive line, Tupou provides experience and depth at the nose tackle position for the Giants’ defensive unit.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tupou’s game centers on his ability to stop the run and occupy double teams at the interior of the defensive line. At 6 feet 3 inches and 350 pounds, he possesses the size and strength necessary to hold ground against opposing offensive linemen. His experience as a nose tackle makes him particularly valuable in schemes that require a stationary anchor against run-heavy offenses. While not known as a prolific pass rusher, his first career sack against Tua Tagovailoa demonstrated that he can generate pressure when called upon.
Career Milestones
Throughout his NFL career, Tupou has demonstrated resilience in overcoming the challenges faced by undrafted players. His first career sack in 2022 represented a significant personal milestone. His ability to remain in the league for nearly a decade, through multiple teams and roster transactions, reflects his value as a dependable depth player and special teams contributor.
Career Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Tupou has accumulated 89 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble across his career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. These statistics reflect his role as a role player rather than a starter, with his contributions often coming against the run and on special teams.
NFL Career Highlights
Tupou’s most notable statistical achievement remains his first career sack during the 2022 season against the Miami Dolphins. That play demonstrated his ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt opposing passing attacks. His consistent presence on rosters and practice squads throughout his career highlights his reliability as a depth player in the trenches.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | Multiple | 89 | 2 | 1 |
Family
Family Background and Heritage
Joshua Enelangi Tupou was born in Long Beach, California, and is of Tongan descent. His Pacific Islander heritage connects him to a proud tradition of football players from Tonga and other Polynesian islands who have made their mark in the NFL. This background has contributed to his physical playing style and Team-first mentality.
Personal Life
Tupou has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field. His focus throughout his professional career has been on football and maintaining the longevity necessary to succeed as a role player in the NFL. The challenges he faced as an undrafted player have shaped his appreciation for every opportunity he receives at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Tupou continue his journeyman career through multiple organizations. He began the year with the Indianapolis Colts after signing on July 28, participating in training camp and the preseason. Following his release during final roster cuts on August 26, he joined the Colts’ practice squad before being released in early September. This period demonstrated the precarious nature of life as a veteran depth player in the NFL.
His return to the Baltimore Ravens on September 24 provided continuity with a coaching staff familiar with his abilities. Although he spent most of this stint on the practice squad, his presence offered valuable depth along the defensive line during a grueling NFL season. The Ravens’ defensive scheme allowed him to contribute in a limited capacity while continuing to develop his skills.
Looking ahead, Tupou’s signing with the New York Giants in May 2026 represents a fresh opportunity. Reuniting with John Harbaugh provides him with a familiar face in the coaching staff and a chance to compete for a spot on the Giants’ roster. As he enters his tenth NFL season, Tupou remains a reliable option for teams seeking experienced defensive line depth.