D. J. Tialavea

Donald Tialavea Jr. (born July 27, 1991) is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Utah State University. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014 as an undrafted free agent. Tialavea was formerly a tight end prior to switching positions before the 2017 NFL season.

Early years
Tialavea attended West Jordan High School in West Jordan, Utah. During his high school football career, he also played on the offensive and defensive lines. In addition to being a three-year letterwinner in football, Tialavea was also a three-year letterwinner in basketball and baseball.

College career
Tialavea appeared in 40 games for the Utah State Aggies. He ended his college career with 198 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Tialavea was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was released on May 12, 2014.

Buffalo Bills
After being released by the Jaguars, Tialavea was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad on September 2, 2014. He was released by the Bills on September 30, 2014.

Atlanta Falcons
Tialavea was signed to the Falcons' practice squad on November 24, 2015. After spending almost two seasons on the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster on December 22, 2016. In his NFL debut two days later against the Carolina Panthers, Tialavea caught a touchdown for his only reception of the day.

Tialavea was inactive for the Falcons' 34-28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

On September 1, 2017, Tialavea was released by the Falcons.

Chicago Bears
On September 20, 2017, Tialavea was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad. He was released on September 26, 2017. He was re-signed on December 27, 2017.

Personal life
D.J.'s parents are Don and Tami Tialavea. He has two sisters. Tialavea graduated from Utah State with an interdisciplinary studies degree with a focus in business management and physical education administration. D.J. is also an Eagle Scout.