Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Tuli Tuipulotu is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 3, 2002, in Hawthorne, California, Tuipulotu comes from a close-knit family with deep roots in Tonga and a strong tradition of playing professional football.
As of now, Tuli Tuipulotu is married to Jade Ioane Tuipulotu, his longtime partner. His parents are Niuila and Tania Tuipulotu, and he has three older brothers: Sione Toetuu, Opeti and Marlon Tuipulotu. His extended family also includes his aunt Lupe Fosnight, who helped raise him, and NFL players Talanoa Hufanga and Fili Moala, who are his cousins.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Wife: Jade Ioane Tuipulotu
Tuli Tuipulotu’s wife is Jade Ioane Tuipulotu, his longtime girlfriend and former fiancée.
The couple maintained a relationship for several years before taking an important step toward marriage in October 2024, when Tuipulotu proposed to Jade.
Their engagement was documented by Sports Illustrated’s lifestyle publication, which included Jade among the partners of Los Angeles Chargers players.
In the summer of 2026, Tuli and Jade celebrated their wedding. Their marriage was subsequently confirmed in an updated Sports Illustrated lifestyle feature published in September 2026.
Following their wedding, Jade began using the name Jade Ioane Tuipulotu.
Although the couple have shared moments of their relationship publicly, they have generally maintained a degree of privacy surrounding their personal lives.
When Did Tuli Tuipulotu Marry Jade Ioane?
Tuli Tuipulotu and Jade Ioane married during the summer of 2026, following their engagement in October 2024.
Wedding photographs circulated among Los Angeles Chargers supporters in late June 2026, showing the couple celebrating their marriage.
Sports Illustrated later confirmed their marriage, reporting that Jade publicly celebrated her husband’s birthday in September 2026 with an affectionate message expressing pride in the person he had become.
The wedding represented an important personal milestone for Tuipulotu, who was already establishing himself as one of the Chargers’ leading defensive players.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Children
As of now, the number of children Tuli Tuipulotu and his wife, Jade Ioane Tuipulotu, may have has not been independently established through reliable public reporting.
In June 2026, an online Chargers fan community discussed social media posts suggesting that the couple were expecting twins. However, a subsequent birth announcement and the children’s identities have not been independently verified through established sports publications or official team sources.
Therefore, it would be premature to state that Tuipulotu has two children or provide names and birth dates without stronger public confirmation.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Parents
Tuli Tuipulotu was born to Niuila and Tania Tuipulotu, who are originally from Tonga, a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific.
His family migrated from Tonga to New Zealand during the 1990s before eventually establishing connections in Southern California.
According to an extensive Los Angeles Times profile published in January 2024, Tuli was raised with support from both his biological parents and his maternal aunt, Lupe Fosnight.
His upbringing reflected Tongan family traditions emphasizing respect for elders, community, faith and responsibility toward relatives.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Father: Niuila Tuipulotu
Tuli Tuipulotu’s father is Niuila Tuipulotu, who was born and raised in Tonga.
Niuila grew up playing rugby, a sport deeply connected to Tongan culture. According to the Los Angeles Times, he was known for his physical strength and ability to deliver powerful tackles.
Although Tuli eventually pursued American football instead of rugby, his father’s athletic background represents an important part of the family’s sporting history.
Niuila also influenced his son’s personality. Family members have described him as quiet and humble, characteristics that Tuli has displayed throughout his professional career.
During a 2024 interview, Tuipulotu explained that his father generally preferred speaking Tongan rather than English.
Although Tuli is more comfortable speaking English, he understands some Tongan and has maintained a strong connection to the language and traditions of his parents.
His father’s background has helped shape his pride in representing Tonga on the NFL stage.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Mother: Tania Tuipulotu
Tuli Tuipulotu’s mother is Tania Tuipulotu, who was also born in Tonga.
After spending time in New Zealand, Tania moved to Southern California, where she eventually reunited with Niuila.
Approximately three years after the couple settled together in California, Tuli was born.
Tania played an important role in preserving her family’s cultural identity, encouraging her children to respect their Tongan heritage and maintain connections with their extended family.
Following Tuli’s birth, she asked her sister, Lupe Fosnight, to help raise him.
This arrangement reflected a broader tradition within some Polynesian families in which children receive substantial care and guidance from relatives beyond their biological parents.
Tania and Lupe worked together to provide Tuli with a supportive upbringing that emphasized humility, discipline and respect.
Although Tania has remained largely outside the media spotlight, her influence is reflected in her son’s strong sense of cultural identity.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Aunt: Lupe Fosnight
One of the most influential people in Tuli Tuipulotu’s childhood was his maternal aunt, Lupe Fosnight.
Lupe, together with her husband, Ken Fosnight, helped raise Tuli from an early age.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Tuli grew up spending time in different households in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, receiving care from both his biological parents and his aunt and uncle.
He became so close to Lupe that he began calling her “mom,” a name he continued using into adulthood.
Lupe was also responsible for choosing his full Tongan name, Tulikihelotu Amanakilelei Kihekahau Tuipulotu.
His name carries meanings associated with faith, family and good wishes for the future.
During his childhood, Lupe helped reinforce the importance of kindness and respectful behavior.
She later played a central role in organizing the family gathering when Tuli was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Although the celebration was initially intended for immediate relatives, approximately 100 people eventually gathered to celebrate his selection by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Lupe’s husband, Ken Fosnight, has also remained an important figure in Tuli’s life and attended his college football games.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Siblings
Tuli Tuipulotu is the youngest of four sons born to Niuila and Tania Tuipulotu.
His three older brothers are Sione Toetuu, Opeti and Marlon Tuipulotu.
According to the Los Angeles Times, all three older brothers were born in New Zealand before the family relocated to the United States.
Although Marlon is the most recognizable sibling because of his NFL career, Tuli’s family relationships extend beyond professional football.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Brother: Sione Toetuu
Sione Toetuu is one of Tuli Tuipulotu’s three older brothers.
He was born in New Zealand during the period when the family lived there after leaving Tonga.
Sione was identified in the January 2024 Los Angeles Times profile documenting Tuli’s family background and upbringing.
However, additional details about Sione’s personal life, professional occupation and relationship status have not been widely documented in reliable public sources.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Brother: Opeti
Opeti is another of Tuli Tuipulotu’s older brothers.
Like his siblings Sione and Marlon, he was born in New Zealand before his family eventually relocated to Southern California.
Opeti was identified by the Los Angeles Times as one of the three older brothers in the Tuipulotu family.
Although he belongs to a family with strong sporting connections, his individual career and personal background have not been extensively covered by major sports publications.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Brother: Marlon Tuipulotu
Marlon Tuipulotu is Tuli Tuipulotu’s older brother and a professional American football defensive tackle.
Born on May 31, 1999, Marlon developed into a standout football player while attending Central High School in Independence, Oregon.
He later attended the University of Southern California, where he played college football for the USC Trojans.
Marlon’s achievements attracted considerable attention, and he earned First-Team All-Pac-12 recognition during the 2020 season.
He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 189th overall pick.
Marlon’s successful transition to professional football provided inspiration for his younger brother.
In an April 2021 interview with USC Annenberg Media, Tuli explained that Marlon encouraged him to develop his own identity rather than constantly compare himself with his older brother.
Marlon also helped Tuli understand important aspects of defensive line play, including technique, effort and the importance of listening to coaches.
The brothers shared the field at USC during the 2020 college football season, an experience both later described as especially meaningful.
After Marlon entered the NFL, Tuli continued developing at USC before following him into professional football in 2023.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Cousins
Tuli Tuipulotu belongs to an extended family that includes several accomplished American football players.
Two of his best-known cousins are Talanoa Hufanga and Fili Moala, both of whom played college football at USC before entering the NFL.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Cousin: Talanoa Hufanga
Talanoa Hufanga is Tuli Tuipulotu’s cousin and a professional NFL safety.
Like Tuli and Marlon, Hufanga attended the University of Southern California, where he developed into one of the nation’s leading defensive players.
In 2020, Hufanga was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
The San Francisco 49ers selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, with the 180th overall pick.
Hufanga subsequently became an All-Pro safety and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
During their time together at USC, Tuli, Marlon and Talanoa developed a close relationship built around football, faith and their shared Tongan heritage.
Before games, the three relatives frequently gathered in the end zone to pray together.
They also developed a celebratory gesture in which they formed the letter “T” with their arms to represent Tonga.
The gesture later became recognizable among football fans as the three relatives continued their NFL careers.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Cousin: Fili Moala
Fili Moala is another of Tuli Tuipulotu’s cousins who pursued a professional football career.
Moala played college football at USC between 2005 and 2008 before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
He played as a defensive tackle for Indianapolis and appeared in Super Bowl XLIV during the 2009 season.
Moala’s achievements represent an earlier generation of professional football success within Tuli’s extended family.
Tuli Tuipulotu’s Tongan Heritage and Family Traditions
Tongan culture has been central to Tuli Tuipulotu’s upbringing and personal identity.
Although he was born in California and had not visited Tonga when interviewed by the Los Angeles Times in January 2024, he has consistently emphasized his pride in his parents’ homeland.
His family maintained strong connections with the Tongan community in Southern California, particularly through the Free Church of Tonga congregations in Compton and Inglewood.
Family celebrations often involved relatives, friends, church members, traditional music and prayer.
These traditions were visible when Tuipulotu was drafted by the Chargers in April 2023.
Following his selection, relatives gathered to sing and pray in Tongan, celebrating his achievement as a success for the wider family and community.
Tuipulotu has also incorporated his heritage into his football celebrations by forming a “T” with his arms after important defensive plays.
The gesture represents his pride in Tonga and his desire to inspire other athletes of Tongan descent.
How Tuli Tuipulotu’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Tuli Tuipulotu’s family influenced his development as an athlete from an early age.
His father’s rugby background introduced him to the physical nature of competitive sports, while his older brother Marlon provided an example of how football could create opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels.
Tuli began playing football during his freshman year of high school before establishing himself as a standout defensive player at Lawndale High School.
He later enrolled at USC, following in Marlon’s footsteps.
During the 2022 college football season, Tuli recorded 13.5 sacks, leading the Football Bowl Subdivision and earning several major honors.
He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and received unanimous All-American recognition.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 54th overall pick.
His selection allowed him to remain close to his family in Southern California, something he described as particularly meaningful during his introductory press conference.
In an interview with USC Annenberg Media, Tuli explained that one of the main motivations behind his football career was helping provide financial security for his family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuli Tuipulotu’s Family
Who is Tuli Tuipulotu’s wife?
Tuli Tuipulotu’s wife is Jade Ioane Tuipulotu, his longtime partner whom he married during the summer of 2026.
When did Tuli Tuipulotu get married?
Tuli Tuipulotu and Jade Ioane married in the summer of 2026 after becoming engaged in October 2024.
Does Tuli Tuipulotu have children?
As of now, there is no independently verified public confirmation establishing the number of children Tuli Tuipulotu has.
Who is Tuli Tuipulotu’s father?
His father is Niuila Tuipulotu, who grew up in Tonga and played rugby during his younger years.
Who is Tuli Tuipulotu’s mother?
His biological mother is Tania Tuipulotu. His maternal aunt, Lupe Fosnight, also helped raise him and is someone he calls “mom.”
How many siblings does Tuli Tuipulotu have?
Tuli Tuipulotu has three older brothers: Sione Toetuu, Opeti and Marlon Tuipulotu.
Is Marlon Tuipulotu related to Tuli Tuipulotu?
Yes. Marlon Tuipulotu is Tuli’s older brother. Both played college football at USC before entering the NFL.
Is Talanoa Hufanga Tuli Tuipulotu’s cousin?
Yes. Talanoa Hufanga is Tuli Tuipulotu’s cousin. Both played college football at USC alongside Tuli’s older brother, Marlon.
Where are Tuli Tuipulotu’s parents from?
Both of his biological parents are originally from Tonga. They later lived in New Zealand before moving to the United States.
What is Tuli Tuipulotu’s full name?
According to the Los Angeles Times, his full Tongan name is Tulikihelotu Amanakilelei Kihekahau Tuipulotu.
How old is Tuli Tuipulotu?
Born on September 3, 2002, Tuli Tuipulotu is 24 years old as of now.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
