Jonathan Fanene
Jonathan David Fanene is a Samoan former professional American football defensive end in the National Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL draft. He played college football at College of the Canyons and Utah.
College career
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.Professional career
At the NFL Combine, Fanene had impressive scores. In the 40-yard dash, Fanene posted a 5.3 time. He also completed a 410-pound bench press.Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals selected Fanene with the 233rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL draft. Fanene was back living in American Samoa during the draft. Once Fanene arrived in Cincinnati, he received number 68. As a Bengal, Fanene was a teammate of Domata Peko, another Samoan-born player. Fanene was quoted in 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."
Fanene was slowed by injuries including a hamstring injury in the off-season prior to the 2006 campaign. Fanene was able to play in four of the final five games of the 2006 season. On February 22, 2008, the Bengals and Fanene reached an agreement on a three-year extension.