Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Atonio Mafi is an American professional football offensive guard for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 20, 2000, in San Mateo, California, Mafi grew up in a Tongan-American family before playing college football at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Family has always been an important part of Mafi’s life. His parents are Petelo “Peter” Mafi and Fanganui “Nui” Mafi, both originally from Tonga. He also has an older brother named Tita Mafi, who has supported him throughout his football career.
Mafi’s father previously represented Tonga in international rugby, while his mother worked multiple jobs to provide for their family. Their dedication influenced his approach to football, education, and personal responsibility.
Although Mafi has spoken openly about his parents, brother, and Tongan heritage, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships. There are no reliable public reports confirming a girlfriend, wife, or children.
Atonio Mafi’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Atonio Mafi has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable interviews or official NFL publications.
In interviews with the Los Angeles Times, UCLA, and the New England Patriots, Mafi has frequently discussed his parents, brother, extended family, and football experiences.
However, those interviews do not establish whether he is currently in a romantic relationship.
His official Tennessee Titans player biography also does not identify a girlfriend.
Although Mafi maintains a public presence through football-related appearances and social media, there is insufficient independently verified information to name a current partner.
Consequently, any claims identifying a particular person as his girlfriend should be treated as unconfirmed unless supported by a reliable report or announcement from Mafi himself.
Is Atonio Mafi Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Atonio Mafi is married.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify a wife or fiancée.
Likewise, the extensive interviews he participated in before the 2023 NFL Draft do not establish that he had married.
His current marital status therefore remains private, and it would be inaccurate to identify a spouse without reliable confirmation.
Does Atonio Mafi Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Atonio Mafi has any children.
His official Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and UCLA football profiles do not identify a son or daughter.
He has also not made a widely documented public announcement about becoming a father.
While Mafi has repeatedly expressed his love for his parents and extended family, information about children of his own has not been publicly established.
Atonio Mafi’s Parents
Atonio Mafi was born to Petelo Mafi and Fanganui Mafi, who raised their family in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
Their names are confirmed in UCLA’s official football biography.
In interviews, his father is generally referred to as Peter Mafi, while his mother is affectionately called Nui.
Both parents were born in Tonga, the Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific.
They maintained strong connections to their homeland while raising Atonio and his older brother in the United States.
Atonio Mafi’s Father: Petelo “Peter” Mafi
Petelo Mafi, commonly known as Peter Mafi, is Atonio Mafi’s father and one of the most influential people in his life.
Peter was an accomplished rugby player before his son became a professional American football player.
According to Atonio’s firsthand account published by the Los Angeles Times in March 2023, Peter represented the Tongan national rugby team.
His physical strength earned him the nickname “Tongan Steel.”
That nickname later inspired an affectionate family nickname for Atonio, whom Peter calls “Little Steel.”
Growing up with a father who had competed in international rugby helped Mafi develop an interest in physical sports.
He participated in rugby during childhood and continued playing through high school before focusing more heavily on American football.
During his introductory conference call with the New England Patriots in April 2023, Mafi explained that rugby had helped develop his toughness and athleticism.
How Peter Mafi Supported His Son’s Football Career
Peter remained closely involved in Atonio’s development as a football player.
During Mafi’s college career at UCLA, his father regularly attended games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Atonio described his father as one of his closest friends and an important source of motivation.
The family’s support was especially meaningful because UCLA was several hours away from their home in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Peter and his wife made the journey to watch their son compete whenever possible.
They also maintained regular communication with him throughout his college career.
In interviews, Atonio credited his father with encouraging him to remain positive during difficult periods.
Peter Mafi’s Health Challenges
One of the most difficult experiences in Atonio Mafi’s college career occurred when his father developed a serious illness in 2022.
In a March 29, 2023, article written for the Los Angeles Times, Mafi explained that he learned about his father’s condition shortly before UCLA’s fall training camp.
He was concerned about Peter’s health while also preparing for his final college football season.
Although the situation created considerable emotional stress, Atonio continued attending practices and games.
His father encouraged him to remain focused on football and trust that the family would overcome the challenge.
Mafi later revealed that Peter had recovered by the end of 2022.
The experience strengthened his appreciation for his parents and motivated him to pursue professional football with even greater determination.
The specific medical condition was not identified in the firsthand account, so it should not be assumed.
Atonio Mafi’s Mother: Fanganui “Nui” Mafi
Fanganui Mafi, affectionately known as Nui, is Atonio Mafi’s mother.
Like her husband, she is originally from Tonga and has maintained strong connections to the family’s Polynesian heritage.
Fanganui played a central role in raising Atonio and his older brother in California.
According to Mafi’s March 2023 Los Angeles Times interview, his mother worked two jobs during much of his childhood.
Her dedication helped him understand the importance of sacrifice, responsibility, and perseverance.
Atonio has credited his mother with teaching him to work hard while remaining humble.
These values became important parts of his approach to college and professional football.
Fanganui Mafi’s Support During the NFL Draft
Fanganui was present when Atonio received the life-changing telephone call announcing his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The family organized a celebration at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, where Atonio had played high school football.
Relatives, friends, coaches, and former teammates attended the gathering.
When the New England Patriots selected Mafi in the fifth round, his parents and older brother celebrated alongside him.
The moment was particularly emotional because Fanganui and Peter had supported his athletic ambitions for many years.
After the draft, Mafi expressed his desire to reward his parents for their sacrifices and provide them with opportunities to enjoy life.
Atonio Mafi’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Atonio Mafi has one publicly documented sibling, an older brother named Tita.
UCLA’s official football biography confirms that Mafi has one brother.
His brother’s first name was identified by Atonio himself in an article published by the Los Angeles Times on March 29, 2023.
The brothers grew up together in California and maintained a close relationship throughout Atonio’s football career.
Tita Mafi – Atonio Mafi’s Older Brother
Tita Mafi is Atonio Mafi’s older brother.
He grew up alongside Atonio in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the family developed a strong interest in sports and Tongan culture.
During childhood, the brothers enjoyed competitive activities and sometimes pretended to represent rival college football programs.
In one memory shared by Atonio, he wore UCLA’s blue colors while Tita represented the University of Southern California in red.
The brothers playfully competed against each other long before Atonio joined UCLA.
The experience became especially memorable because UCLA and USC are historic college football rivals.
Tita Mafi’s Interest in Music
According to Atonio, his older brother is a talented musician.
In his March 2023 NFL Draft diary, Mafi explained that he hoped to buy Tita a high-quality guitar after establishing himself in professional football.
The comment demonstrated his desire to share the rewards of his football success with his family.
Although Tita’s musical interests are publicly documented, reliable information about his occupation, education, and private relationships remains limited.
Tita’s Support for Atonio’s Football Career
Tita has supported Atonio throughout his football journey.
During UCLA’s victory over LSU in September 2021, Atonio celebrated with a custom UCLA-colored flag featuring the national emblem of Tonga.
He later revealed that his brother had brought the flag to the Rose Bowl.
The gesture reflected the family’s pride in their Tongan heritage.
Tita also attended the 2023 NFL Draft celebration at Junípero Serra High School.
When the Patriots selected his younger brother, Tita joined the family in celebrating the achievement.
Does Atonio Mafi Have a Sister?
No sister has been identified in Atonio Mafi’s official UCLA or NFL biographies.
UCLA’s records list one brother, and Mafi’s firsthand accounts consistently describe growing up with his parents and older brother.
While those records support identifying Tita as his only publicly documented sibling, they do not provide an independently verified biography of any sister.
Atonio Mafi’s Cousin: NFL Tight End Devin Asiasi
Atonio Mafi is related to former NFL tight end Devin Asiasi, who is his cousin.
Their relationship is confirmed in UCLA’s official football biography and reporting published by the New England Patriots.
Asiasi played college football at the University of Michigan before transferring to UCLA.
He was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His connection with Mafi became particularly interesting when New England drafted Atonio in 2023.
During his introductory Patriots conference call, Mafi explained that Asiasi had previously encouraged him to consider UCLA.
At the time, Mafi had been considering the University of California, Berkeley.
His cousin’s experience and advice contributed to his eventual decision to join the Bruins.
Asiasi also provided encouragement when Mafi entered the NFL.
Atonio Mafi’s Extended Family in Tonga
Atonio Mafi has maintained strong connections with relatives in Tonga throughout his life.
Although he was born in California, both of his parents are originally from the island nation.
During an April 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Mafi explained that he considered Tonga a second home.
He had visited the country approximately 15 times and spent part of his education there.
His extended family includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who live in Tonga.
During visits, Mafi spends time with relatives and participates in traditional family gatherings.
He has also discussed the importance of food, community, and cultural celebrations in Tongan family life.
These experiences strengthened his connection to his parents’ homeland.
How the Tonga Volcanic Eruption Affected Mafi’s Family
In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and resulting tsunami caused widespread damage in Tonga.
The disaster was particularly concerning for Mafi because several relatives lived in the affected region.
According to Sports Illustrated, he was staying with his parents in California when the family learned about the eruption.
Communication disruptions made it difficult to contact relatives living on the islands.
The situation created uncertainty for the family as they waited for information.
Mafi subsequently used his public platform to express concern for Tonga and encourage awareness of the disaster.
Atonio Mafi’s Childhood and Family Background
Atonio Mafi was born on October 20, 2000, in San Mateo, California.
He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where his parents introduced him to Tongan cultural traditions and competitive sports.
Rugby was particularly important in the household because his father had previously represented Tonga internationally.
Mafi played rugby during childhood and developed the physical strength that later helped him succeed in American football.
His size and athletic ability attracted attention from coaches when he began participating in organized football.
He attended Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, a school known for producing several NFL players.
During high school, Mafi competed on the offensive and defensive lines.
He became a standout player and helped the program reach the California state championship game.
His performances earned him All-Central Coast Section honors and recognition as a promising college football recruit.
Atonio Mafi’s College Football Career at UCLA
Atonio Mafi joined UCLA in 2018 after completing his high school career.
He initially played defensive tackle and quickly became an important member of the Bruins’ defensive line.
During his freshman season, he appeared in all 12 games and made nine starts.
In 2019, he appeared in another 12 games, making five starts and recording a season-high nine tackles against Cincinnati.
Before the 2020 season, Mafi transitioned from defensive tackle to offensive guard.
The move gave him an opportunity to develop a new position and contribute more effectively to the team’s offensive line.
He continued improving his conditioning and technique throughout the following seasons.
During the 2022 campaign, Mafi became one of UCLA’s most productive offensive linemen and earned second-team All-Pac-12 recognition.
He also completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education.
His academic accomplishments reflected the emphasis his parents placed on personal development beyond sports.
Atonio Mafi’s Family Celebrated His NFL Draft Selection
On April 29, 2023, the New England Patriots selected Atonio Mafi in the fifth round of the NFL Draft with the 144th overall pick.
The selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood ambition.
Mafi celebrated at Junípero Serra High School with approximately 150 relatives, friends, coaches, and former teammates.
His parents, Peter and Fanganui, and older brother, Tita, were among those present.
When the Patriots called, the family erupted in celebration.
Mafi later explained that receiving the opportunity to play professional football was a shared accomplishment for everyone who had helped him grow.
He expressed particular gratitude to his parents for their sacrifices and to his brother for his encouragement.
After the celebration, the family gathered at his grandmother’s home in the Shoreview area of San Mateo to reflect on his childhood and football journey.
Atonio Mafi’s NFL Career
Atonio Mafi began his professional football career with the New England Patriots in 2023.
He appeared in all 17 regular-season games during his rookie campaign and made five starts.
Following his departure from New England, he spent part of the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts.
He subsequently joined the Las Vegas Raiders and appeared in three games during the 2025 season, making two starts.
On September 11, 2026, the Tennessee Titans claimed Mafi off waivers from Las Vegas.
The move provided him with another opportunity to compete for a starting position in the NFL.
Mafi joined Tennessee’s offensive line as a guard and was listed wearing jersey No. 70.
His development from a college defensive tackle to a professional offensive lineman reflects the adaptability and work ethic that have characterized his football career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atonio Mafi’s Family
Who is Atonio Mafi’s girlfriend?
Atonio Mafi has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend through reliable interviews or official NFL reporting.
Is Atonio Mafi married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Atonio Mafi is married.
Does Atonio Mafi have children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Atonio Mafi has a son or daughter.
Who are Atonio Mafi’s parents?
Atonio Mafi’s parents are Petelo “Peter” Mafi and Fanganui “Nui” Mafi. Both are originally from Tonga and raised their children in California.
Who is Atonio Mafi’s father?
His father is Peter Mafi, also identified as Petelo Mafi in UCLA’s official records. Peter previously played rugby for the Tongan national team.
Who is Atonio Mafi’s mother?
His mother is Fanganui Mafi, commonly called Nui. Atonio has credited her with teaching him the importance of hard work and sacrifice.
How many siblings does Atonio Mafi have?
Atonio Mafi has one publicly documented sibling, an older brother named Tita Mafi.
Who is Atonio Mafi’s brother?
His older brother is Tita Mafi, a talented musician who supported Atonio throughout his college football career and attended his 2023 NFL Draft celebration.
Does Atonio Mafi have a sister?
No sister has been identified in his official UCLA or NFL biographies.
Is Atonio Mafi related to Devin Asiasi?
Yes. Former NFL tight end Devin Asiasi is Atonio Mafi’s cousin. Both played college football at UCLA.
Is Atonio Mafi from Tonga?
Atonio Mafi was born in San Mateo, California. However, both of his parents are from Tonga, and he has maintained strong connections to the island nation throughout his life.
Which NFL team drafted Atonio Mafi?
The New England Patriots selected Atonio Mafi with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
