Martin Tevaseu

Martin Tauamanu Tevaseu (pronounced ) born October 7, 1987) is an American football nose tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2010 as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Early years
Martin Tevaseu was raised in Boonville, Mendocino County, California, where he attended Anderson Valley High School. His parents are of Samoan descent. He signed a letter of intent to play college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, but suffered a severe knee injury during practice. He played at Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Cleveland Browns
Tevaseu was not selected in the 2010 NFL Draft. After attending a three-day tryout with the Cleveland Browns in early May, the team signed Tevaseu to a contract. The Browns waived Tevaseu a month later.

New York Jets
Tevaseu signed with the New York Jets on July 20, 2010. Tevaseu broke his hand early in training camp. In spite of this, Tevaseu practiced everyday with a club on the broken hand. Head coach Rex Ryan praised his tenacity.

Tevaseu was released from the active roster during the Jets' final round of cuts prior to the start of the season. He was promptly resigned to the team's practice squad.

Tevaseu was promoted to the active roster on January 22, 2011. He was waived on September 4, 2011. He was signed to the practice squad on September 5. He was promoted to the active roster on October 12. He was waived on October 18. He was re-signed to the team's practice squad two days later. He was promoted back to the active roster on October 22. On August 31, 2012, he was waived.

Indianapolis Colts
Tevaseu was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on September 1, 2012.

Personal
Tevaseu was born to Debby Fanene. Tevaseu has several other siblings, two brothers and five sisters. Tevaseu is the cousin of former UNLV Rebel and current San Diego Chargers fullback Frank Summers.