Who is Frankie Luvu? Frankie Luvu is a remarkable linebacker who has made waves in the NFL with his tenacity and skill. Born on September 19, 1996, in Tafuna, American Samoa, Luvu's journey to professional football is nothing short of inspiring. Despite going undrafted in 2018, he signed with the New York Jets and quickly proved his worth. His career took a significant turn when he joined the Carolina Panthers, where he showcased his defensive prowess. In 2024, Luvu signed a lucrative contract with the Washington Commanders, further cementing his status as a key player in the league. His story is one of resilience, hard work, and dedication.
Early Life and College Career
Frankie Luvu's journey from American Samoa to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into his early life and college career.
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Birth and Early Life: Born on September 19, 1996, in Tafuna, American Samoa, Frankie Luvu moved to the United States in 2013 to chase his football dreams.
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College Football: Luvu played for the Washington State Cougars at Washington State University, where he honed his skills and prepared for the NFL.
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NFL Draft Status: Despite his college success, Luvu went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, but this setback didn't stop him.
Professional Beginnings with the New York Jets
Frankie's professional career began with the New York Jets, where he faced challenges and made significant strides.
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New York Jets Signing: On May 6, 2018, the New York Jets signed Luvu to a three-year, $1.71 million contract as an undrafted free agent.
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Rookie Season: Luvu debuted on September 10, 2018, against the Detroit Lions, recording three solo tackles, two tackles for-a-loss, and a pass deflection in a 48–17 victory.
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Injuries and Inactivity: His rookie season saw several injuries, including a neck injury in Week 9, causing him to miss some games.
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First Career Start: On December 30, 2018, Luvu earned his first career start against the New England Patriots, finishing the season with 22 combined tackles, five tackles for-a-loss, three sacks, and a pass deflection.
Continued Growth and Challenges
Luvu's journey with the Jets continued with ups and downs, showcasing his resilience and determination.
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2019 Season: Luvu competed for a roster spot, was waived, re-signed to the practice squad, and promoted to the active roster on November 1, 2019.
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Career Highs in 2019: He recorded a season-high three combined tackles, a tackle for-a-loss, and a sack during a 34–17 win at the Washington Football Team, finishing the season with 12 combined tackles and a sack in 13 games.
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2020 Season: Luvu signed a one-year, $675,000 contract with the Jets, faced a groin injury, and was placed on injured reserve, but returned to earn his first start of the season on November 22, 2020.
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Safety and Sacks: In 2020, Luvu recorded his first career safety and collected a season-high five solo tackles, a tackle for-a-loss, a pass deflection, and a sack during a 14–28 loss at the New England Patriots.
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Career Statistics 2020: Luvu finished the 2020 season with 25 combined tackles, two sacks, three tackles for-a-loss, a pass deflection, one forced fumble, and a safety in 13 games and three starts.
Transition to the Carolina Panthers
Luvu's move to the Carolina Panthers marked a new chapter in his career, filled with new opportunities and achievements.
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Carolina Panthers Signing: On March 23, 2021, Luvu signed a one-year, $1.10 million contract with the Panthers, competing for a backup linebacker spot.
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2021 Season: Luvu recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and three tackles for-a-loss during a 10–18 loss at the New Orleans Saints on January 2, 2022.
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2021 Career Highlights: He finished the 2021 season with 43 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and a blocked punt in 16 games and four starts.
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Contract Extension: On February 17, 2022, the Panthers signed Luvu to a two-year, $9.00 million contract extension with $4.50 million guaranteed and a $3.00 million signing bonus.
Rising Star in the NFL
Frankie Luvu's performance in the 2022 and 2023 seasons solidified his reputation as a rising star in the NFL.
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2022 Season: Luvu competed for the starting strongside linebacker position and was named the starter alongside Shaq Thompson and Damien Wilson.
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2022 Career Highlights: In Week 2 of the 2022 season, Luvu made ten solo tackles, four tackles for-a-loss, and a pass deflection during a 16–19 loss at the New York Giants.
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Shoulder Injury: Luvu sustained a shoulder injury and was inactive for two games but returned to intercept a pass by Kyler Murray for a 33-yard touchdown.
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2022 Season Finale: In Week 10, Luvu collected 12 combined tackles, two tackles for-a-loss, and two sacks during a 15–25 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, finishing the season with 111 combined tackles, 19 tackles for-a-loss, seven sacks, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, one interception, and a touchdown.
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2023 Season: Luvu entered training camp as a starting inside linebacker after a defensive transition to a base 3–4, starting alongside Shaq Thompson, Brian Burns, and Justin Houston.
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2023 Career Highlights: In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Luvu recorded nine combined tackles, three tackles for-a-loss, and two sacks on Derek Carr in a 17–20 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
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NFC Defensive Player of the Week: On October 22, 2023, Luvu was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Houston Texans.
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Head Coach Changes: The Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule after a 1–4 start, with Steve Wilks serving as interim head coach. Luvu finished the season with a career-high 125 combined tackles, ten tackles for-a-loss, five pass deflections, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, starting all 17 games.
New Beginnings with the Washington Commanders
Luvu's move to the Washington Commanders marked another significant step in his career, bringing new challenges and successes.
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Washington Commanders Signing: On March 11, 2024, Luvu signed a three-year, $31 million contract with the Washington Commanders.
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2024 Season: In his first season with the Commanders, Luvu earned second-team All-Pro honors, recording 99 tackles, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, seven pass breakups, and an interception in 17 games.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Luvu's career statistics and achievements highlight his impact and contributions to the NFL.
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Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2024 season, Luvu has 437 combined tackles, 28 sacks, two interceptions, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one safety.
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College Career Highlights: At Washington State University, Luvu was a standout linebacker, playing in several games and showcasing his skills.
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Pre-Draft Measurables: Before the 2018 NFL Draft, Luvu's pre-draft measurables included a height of 6 feet 2 inches, a weight of 235 pounds, an arm length of 32.75 inches, a hand span of 9.75 inches, and a 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds.
Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
Throughout his career, Luvu has faced numerous challenges and injuries, demonstrating resilience and determination.
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Training Camp Competitions: Luvu has consistently competed for roster spots and starting positions, facing various players in training camps.
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Defensive Coordinator Impact: The defensive coordinators he has worked under have significantly influenced his playing style and role on the team.
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Injury Management: Despite several injuries, Luvu has shown resilience, managing his injuries effectively to remain a key player.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Luvu's leadership and community involvement extend beyond the football field, showcasing his character and dedication.
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Leadership Roles: As a veteran player, Luvu has taken on leadership roles, mentoring younger players and providing guidance.
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Community Involvement: Luvu is involved in various community activities, particularly in his hometown of American Samoa, participating in charity events and supporting local initiatives.
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Personal Life: Known for his humble and dedicated personality, Luvu has spoken publicly about the importance of family and his Samoan heritage.
Legacy and Fan Support
Frankie Luvu's legacy in football and the support he receives from fans highlight his impact on the sport and community.
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Career Milestones: Luvu has achieved several career milestones, including earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024 and recording career-highs in tackles and sacks in the 2023 season.
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Team Dynamics: Luvu has played with various teammates, developing strong relationships and contributing to the team's success.
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Coaching Changes: Luvu has experienced several coaching changes, adapting quickly to new defensive schemes and strategies.
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Fan Support: Luvu has received significant fan support throughout his career, with fans appreciating his dedication and hard work.
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Legacy in Football: As a professional football player, Luvu is leaving a lasting legacy, inspiring younger players and fans alike.
Frankie Luvu's Impact on the NFL
Frankie Luvu's journey from American Samoa to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication and hard work have made him a standout linebacker. From his college days at Washington State to earning second-team All-Pro honors with the Washington Commanders, Luvu has consistently proven his worth. His resilience through injuries and leadership on the field have earned him respect from teammates and fans alike. With career highlights like recording 125 tackles in a season and being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Luvu's impact on the game is undeniable. His story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and perseverance. As he continues his career, there's no doubt that Frankie Luvu will keep making waves in the NFL, inspiring the next generation of players.
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