Marte Mapu

CAREER TRANSACTIONS

Marte Mapu was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round (76th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

SEASONAL REVIEWS

2024 (10/9)

• Began the season on Injured Reserve and was activated to the 53-man roster on Oct. 5.
• Played a significant role at safety once he returned from injury, starting in nine of the 10 games played he played in. Finished with 42 total tackles (21 solo, 21 assists), a half sack, 1 interception, 1 quarterback hit, 2 forced fumbles, 6 passes defensed and 4 special teams tackles and 1 forced fumble on special teams.
• Was inactive for three games, vs. the L.A. Rams (11/17), vs. Indianapolis (12/1) and at Arizona (12/15).
• Played in his first game of the 2024 season vs. Miami (10/6), starting at safety due to an injury to Jabrill Peppers, marking his second-career start and his first since Sept. 17, 2023 vs. Miami. Forced a fumble after S Brenden Schooler blocked a punt that was initially recovered by P Jake Bailey that was recovered by CB Isaiah Bolden.
• Recorded his first-career sack when he split a sack of QB C.J. Stroud with LB Christian Elliss on a third-down play in the second quarter for a 9-yard loss vs. Houston (10/13). Had a key deflection of a pass in the end zone that resulted in an interception by CB Marcus Jones in the second quarter.
• Forced a fumble in the fourth quarter at Miami (11/24) that led to CB Christian Gonzalez's 63-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, the defense's only score in 2024.
• Started at safety in place of the injured S Jabrill Peppers at Buffalo (12/22). Recorded his second-career interception, picking off QB Josh Allen in the back of the end zone in the second quarter.
• Started at safety vs. Buffalo (1/5/25) before leaving the game in the first quarter with an injury.

2023 (17/1)

• Played in all 17 games with one start, recording 14 tackles (9 solo, 5 assists), 1 interception, 1 forced fumble on special teams that was recovered by the team for a touchdown, 1 pass defensed and added 4 special teams tackles.
• Made his NFL debut as a reserve hybrid linebacker and participated on special teams for New England vs. Philadelphia (9/10). Tallied 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist).
• Made his first NFL start at safety in a three-safety set vs. Miami (9/17).
• Had a special teams tackle in the second quarter vs. Washington (11/5) where he held WR Jameson Crowder to a 3-yard loss, pinning the Commanders inside their own 15 yard line.
• Made his first career interception vs. Kansas City (12/17) off a QB Patrick Mahomes pass in the second quarter and returned the pick 20 yards to the Kansas City 8-yard line. The Patriots converted the turnover into a 25-yard field goal.
• Forced a fumble on a kickoff return by WR Marvin Mimms Jr. that was recovered for a touchdown by DB Cody Davis in the third quarter at Denver (12/24) in a 26-23 win.

COLLEGE

• Named first team All-America by the Associated Press, Stats Perform and Athlon and was a second team choice by the AFCA and Phil Steele.
• Became just the second Hornet to be named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year.
• Ranked second on the team with 76 total tackles in his 13 games.
• Earned Big Sky all-academic honors.

PERSONAL

• Graduated with a degree in sociology.
• Played several positions for Hawthorne High School during his career, lining up at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety and cornerback.
• Pursuing a second BA in kinesiology.
• Son of Va'a Mapu and Renee Peneueta.