Marist Liufau


Marist Lealofi Liufau is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life

Liufau attended Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was selected to play in the 2019 Polynesian Bowl. He committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football.

College career

In his first season at Notre Dame in 2019, Liufau appeared in four games and in 2020 he started three of 10 games and had 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks. He missed the 2021 season after suffering an ankle injury in practice. Liufau returned from the injury in 2022 to start all 13 games and finished with 51 tackles, 0.5 sacks and an interception. As a senior in 2023, he started all 12 games he played in, recording 44 tackles and three sacks. Liufau opted out of the 2023 Sun Bowl and entered the 2024 NFL draft.

Professional career

Liufau was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round with the 87th overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

Personal life

Liufau is the cousin of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Liufau is dating WNBA star guard, and former Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Sonia Citron.