5 Surprising Facts About Manti Te’o’s Family Life: Wife, Two Children, And His Resilient Journey In 2025

Manti Te’o has successfully navigated one of the most bizarre and public scandals in modern sports history, emerging with a strong family unit and a powerful new career path as of December 12, 2025. The former Notre Dame linebacker and NFL veteran, whose life was upended by the infamous 2012 "girlfriend who didn't exist" catfishing hoax, has since found stability and joy, marrying his wife, Jovi Nicole, and welcoming two children. His story is no longer defined by deception but by resilience, faith, and the unwavering support of his family, who have stood by him through every public challenge and private triumph. The current chapter of Te'o's life is a testament to overcoming adversity, focusing on his roles as a husband, father, and sought-after motivational speaker, while also contributing to NFL media programs. This article explores the deeply rooted family values and the latest updates on the Te'o household, providing a fresh look at the people who form the foundation of his inspiring comeback story.

Manti Te'o: Full Biography and Family Profile

Manti Malietau Louis Teʻo is a former American professional football player who gained national recognition as a star linebacker for the University of Notre Dame before his NFL career. His life and career were later the subject of the 2022 Netflix documentary, *Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist*, which brought his infamous catfishing scandal back into the public eye.

Personal and Professional Biography:

• Full Name: Manti Malietau Louis Teʻo
• Date of Birth: January 26, 1991
• Place of Birth: Laie, Hawaii, U.S.
• Nationality: American (Samoan ancestry)
• Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame
• NFL Draft: 2nd Round, 38th overall, 2013 (San Diego Chargers)
• NFL Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2013–2016), New Orleans Saints (2017–2019), Chicago Bears (2020)
• Current Status (2025): Motivational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and NFL Media Contributor.
• Net Worth (Est. 2025): Approximately $3.5 million, derived from NFL earnings, investments, and speaking engagements.

Immediate Family:

• Wife: Jovi Nicole Te'o (née Engbino)
• Marriage Date: August 2020
• Children: Two (a daughter, Hiro, and a son)
• Parents: Brian Te'o (Father) and Ottilia Te'o (Mother)
• Siblings: Five younger siblings—four sisters (Tiare, Eden, BrieAnne, and Maya) and one brother (Manasseh).

The Stability of Marriage: Manti Te'o's Wife, Jovi Nicole Te'o

Manti Te'o's journey to finding true love and stability is a core part of his post-scandal narrative. After the public humiliation of the catfishing hoax, he began dating Jovi Nicole Engbino in 2015.

Their relationship blossomed away from the intense media scrutiny that had once defined his life.

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Jovi Nicole Te'o, who is of Filipino descent, is a fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur. She has provided a grounding presence for Manti, offering a genuine relationship that contrasts sharply with the digital facade of his past.

The couple officially married in a private ceremony in La Jolla, California, in August 2020.

Jovi is often seen supporting Manti's current endeavors, including his work in mental health advocacy and his appearances on NFL programs. She has been a crucial entity in his life, helping him transition from a professional athlete to a public figure focused on emotional resilience.

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A Growing Family: Manti Te'o's Two Young Children

The most heartwarming update to the Manti Te'o family story is the growth of his immediate household. Manti and Jovi Nicole are now proud parents to two young children, a significant milestone in their lives.

Their first child, a daughter named Hiro, was born.

The Te'o family welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on January 16, adding a new Capricorn to the family.

Manti often shares insights into his life as a father, expressing his commitment to his children and his faith. He has publicly spoken about the importance of family and his desire to raise his children with the same strong values he was taught growing up in Hawaii.

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The presence of his children, a daughter and a son, has shifted the focus of his public image entirely, emphasizing his role as a dedicated family man over the controversy of his past.

The Roots of Resilience: Manti Te'o's Parents and Siblings

Manti Te'o's foundational support system has always been his large, close-knit family from Laie, Hawaii. His parents, Brian and Ottilia Te'o, raised him and his five younger siblings with a strong emphasis on faith, education, and community.

His parents, Brian and Ottilia, both have backgrounds working in education, instilling a sense of discipline and purpose in their children.

Manti is the oldest of six children. His five younger siblings include four sisters—Tiare, Eden, BrieAnne, and Maya—and one brother, Manasseh.

Growing up in a large family environment helped shape his character and work ethic, which were evident during his college career as a highly decorated linebacker at Notre Dame.

The family's unwavering support was most visible during the catfishing scandal, where they provided a shield from the media storm. The strength of the Te'o family unit is a testament to their Samoan and Latter-day Saint heritage, which prioritizes familial bonds and community.

Manti Te'o's 2025 Career Pivot: Mental Health and Motivational Speaking

In 2025, Manti Te'o's professional life has fully transitioned away from the gridiron and into public advocacy and media.

He is now a highly sought-after motivational speaker, focusing on themes of mental health, resilience, and motivation.

His story—the height of collegiate football stardom, the devastating public hoax, and the eventual recovery—makes him a uniquely credible voice on overcoming adversity.

Te'o has also become more involved in the media side of the NFL. Notably, he officially joined the NFL program *Good Morning Football* in May 2025, providing expert analysis and insight.

He has also partnered with telehealth providers like Transcend, which assists athletes with treatment for anxiety, depression, and other health issues, further solidifying his role as a mental health advocate.

This career pivot allows him to leverage his past experiences to help others, turning a painful public experience into a powerful platform for positive change, all while maintaining a strong, stable family life with Jovi Nicole and their children. His current focus is a clear indication that Manti Te'o has successfully redefined his legacy, shifting the narrative from the "girlfriend who didn't exist" to the man who found true strength and family.