12 Facts About Atonio Mafi

Atonio Mafi played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft by the New England Patriots.

Atonio Mafi grew up playing rugby before later switching to football.

Atonio Mafi attended Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, and played football on both sides of the ball, being ranked a three-star prospect and a top-130 player in California, according to ESPN.

Atonio Mafi was named Central Coast Section Co-Offensive Player of the Year, WCAL most valuable player, and first-team All-CIF, eventually committing to play college football at UCLA after flipping from California.

Atonio Mafi was told he needed to lose weight to have a chance to play, and was able to drop to 390 by the time the season started.

Atonio Mafi won the starting job and was the only true freshman starting on the defensive line.

Atonio Mafi appeared in 12 games on the year, starting nine, and recorded 16 tackles at nose tackle.

Atonio Mafi slimmed down to 357 by the beginning of the 2019 season, and posted 28 tackles, including four TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble while appearing in 12 games, five of which he started.

Atonio Mafi moved to the offensive line in 2020 and saw limited action in seven games as a reserve.

Atonio Mafi ended up starting all 13 games and was named second-team all-conference in the Pac-12.

Atonio Mafi finished his stint at UCLA with 56 games played, tying the school record.

Atonio Mafi was waived by the Patriots on August 27,2024.