J. R. Tavai

John Robert Tavai (born September 23, 1993) is an American former professional football linebacker. He played college football for the USC Trojans. He was signed by Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He was also a member of the Ottawa Redblacks, BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Helvetic Guards of the European League of Football.

Professional career

Tennessee Titans After going unselected in the 2015 NFL draft, Tavai signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 11, 2015. On September 5, he was waived by Tennessee as a part of final roster cuts. On November 11, Tavai was re-signed to the team's practice squad. On December 12, he was promoted to the active roster. In his first season with the Titans, Tavai played in four games and contributed with three defensive tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble.

On September 2, 2016, Tavai was released by the Titans as a part of final roster cuts. He was re–signed to the team's practice squad on December 6.

Ottawa Redblacks On January 3, 2018, it was announced that Tavai had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks. Over two seasons, he played in 22 regular season games, recording 57 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.

BC Lions Upon entering free agency on February 11, 2020, Tavai signed with the BC Lions to a one-year contract. Following the cancelled 2020 season he signed a one-year contract extension on January 12, 2021. In his first season with the Lions Tavai played in nine games and recorded 15 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two quarterback sacks and one forced fumble. Following the 2021 season he was not re-signed by the Lions and became a fee agent in February 2022.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats On February 9, 2022 Tavai signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. On May 19, the Tiger-Cats placed Tavai on the retired list.

Helvetic Guards On December 24, 2022 Tavai signed with the Helvetic Guards of the European League of Football.

Personal life Tavai is of Samoan descent. He has four brothers who played Division I NCAA football: older brother Jordan played at Kansas, younger brother Jahlani played at Hawaii and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL draft , and younger brothers Justus and Jonah both played for San Diego State before becoming a professional rugby player and CFL player respectively. His uncle, John Schuster is a former rugby union player who represented New Zealand as a member of the All Blacks.