| No. 68 Cincinnati Bengals | |
| Defensive end | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: March 19, 1982 | |
| Place of birth: Pago Pago, American Samoa | |
| Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | Weight: 292 lb (132 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: College of the Canyons and Utah | |
| NFL Draft: 2005 / Round: 7 / Pick: 233 | |
| Debuted in 2005 for the Cincinnati Bengals | |
| Career history | |
|
|
| Roster status: Active | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 16, 2011 | |
| Tackles | 100 |
| Sacks | 13.0 |
| INTs | 1 |
| Stats at NFL.com | |
Jonathan Fanene (born March 19, 1982 in Pago Pago, American Samoa) is an American football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at College of the Canyons and Utah.
Contents |
While attending the University of Utah, the Utes were able to win the 2005 Fiesta Bowl by defeating the University of Pittsburgh 35-7. At Utah, his jersey was number 91. He was a Sociology major.
At the NFL Combine Jonathan had impressive scores. In the 40, Jonathan posted a 4.96. He also completed a 410-pound bench press.
The Bengals drafted Jonathan with the 233rd pick in the 7th Round. Jonathan was back living in American Samoa during the draft. Once Jonathan arrived in Cincinnati, he received number 68. Jonathan is teammates with Domata Peko, another Samoan-born player. Jonathan was quoted from the Cincinnati Post about the new members;
"To be honest, it does make me more comfortable," said Fanene. "I'm used to being around different races but seeing the same nationality around you and having your friends from back home, it makes me happy to work with them." (the quote was in reference to Domata Peko and Matt Toeaina, both Samoan-born players on the Bengals at the time; however, Matt Toeaina was cut during the 2007 season.)
Unfortunately, Jonathan has been slowed by injuries including a hamstring injury in the off-season prior to the 2006 campaign. Jonathan was able to play in four of the final five games of the 2006 season. Jonathan looks to make an impact in the 2007 season. Reportedly, the Baltimore Ravens have expressed interest in Jonathan. Whether the Bengals trade him or not the decision will made in the upcoming off-season. Jonathan has come on strong this year and was instrumental in Cincinnati's victory over Baltimore. In that game he forced a fumble from quarterback Steve McNair. On February 22, 2008, the Bengals and Fanene reached an agreement on a three year extension.
Fanene is member of a family with 12 children, he is married to his wife Lorelei. Fanene resides in Dayton, Kentucky which is a small town right across the river from Cincinnati. Cinicinnati Bengals bio</ref> They have a son, Truman. Fanene is of Samoan and Tongan descent.