Kyahva Tezino

Kyahva Tezino (born June 21, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs. He also played for the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL), and the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL).

Early life Tezino was born on June 21, 1997, in Los Angeles. Growing up with a single mother, he began playing football at age five. Tezino attended Bishop Mora Salesian High School, where he led the football team in tackles in all three of his varsity seasons. He was rated as a four-star recruit and received numerous scholarship offers, initially committing to play college football at Washington State before switching his commitment to San Diego State.

College career Tezino played four season at San Diego State, where recorded 290 total tackles tackles and 15.5 sacks in 48 career games played. He was a two-time first-team all-Mountain West Conference honoree and became one of only six players in Aztec history to earn multiple team MVP awards.

Professional career

New England Patriots After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Tezino signed with the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) on May 26, 2020. He was released on July 26, 2020.

Carolina Panthers On July 27, 2020, Tezino was selected by the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He was released on August 15, 2020.

Pittsburgh Maulers On February 24, 2022, Brown was selected by the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL). On June 26, 2024, Tezino was named to the 2023 All-USFL team.

San Francisco 49ers On July 27, 2023, Tezino signed with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was released on August 29, 2023.

Birmingham Stallions (first stint) On January 10, 2024, Tezino signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). On June 16, 2024, Tezino and the Stallions won the 2024 UFL Championship.

Pittsburgh Steelers On August 19, 2024, Tezino signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He was released a week later on August 26.

Birmingham Stallions (second stint) On January 22, 2025, Tezino re-signed with the Stallions.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) On August 23, 2026, Tezino signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League and is currently listed on the practice roster squad (CFL).