Marte Mapu

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

PRONOUNCED - mar-TAY mah-PU

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)

• Placed on Injured Reserve (designated to return) on August 27.
• Activated off of Injured Reserve on Oct. 5.
• Played in his first game of the 2024 season vs. Miami (10/6), starting at safety due to an injury to Jabrill Peppers, his second-career start and his first since Sept. 17, 2023 vs. Miami. Forced a fumble after DB Brenden Schooler blocked a punt that was initially recovered by P Jake Bailey, but then recovered by CB Isaiah Bolden after Mapu's forced fumble.
• 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. Added 1 quarterback hit and 1 pass defensed.
• Inactive vs. the L.A. Rams (11/17) due to injury.
• Returned to the starting lineup at Miami (11/24) after missing a game due to injury. Forced a fumble in the fourth quarter that led to CB Christian Gonzalez's 63-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, the defense's first score in 2024.
• Inactive vs. Indianapolis (12/1) and at Arizona (12/15).
• 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. His first-career interception came off a pass from QB Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter vs. Kansas City on Dec. 17, 2023. Finished the game with 5 tackles (2 solo, 3 assisted), 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 assisted special teams tackle in addition to the interception.
• Started at safety vs. Buffalo (1/5) 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.