Keleki Latu, the Buffalo Bills tight end and younger brother of Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu, has attracted attention as he continues building his professional football career. The Sacramento-born athlete entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after playing college football at California, Nevada and Washington. His background has also drawn interest, particularly his Tongan heritage and the family’s connection to Polynesian culture.
Latu was born on August 13, 2002, in Sacramento, California, to Kerry and Sebastian Latu. He grew up alongside three siblings in a family with Tongan roots, where sports and education were important parts of everyday life.
What Is Keleki Latu’s Ethnicity?
Keleki Latu is of Tongan descent, with family roots connected to the Polynesian island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific.
He was born and raised in the United States, making him American by birth, while his family background connects him to the wider Tongan and Polynesian communities.
Tonga has a strong sporting culture, particularly in rugby, and athletes of Tongan heritage have established a significant presence in American football.
Latu’s family maintained connections to both rugby and football during his childhood. He participated in both sports before concentrating on American football as his primary athletic career.
His ethnicity is part of a broader family background shared with his older brother, Laiatu Latu, who plays professionally for the Indianapolis Colts.
Keleki Latu’s Parents and Tongan Family Roots
Keleki Latu’s parents are Kerry Latu and Sebastian Latu. They raised their four children in Sacramento, California.
The family includes Keleki, his older brother Laiatu and their sisters, Naite and Aulani.
Kerry and Sebastian worked demanding schedules to support their children’s education and sporting activities. A family fundraiser established in February 2019 described how Kerry worked night shifts while Sebastian worked during the day.
Both parents supported their sons’ participation in football and rugby at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California.
In February 2019, Sebastian suffered a serious fall that injured his neck and back, creating significant medical and financial challenges for the family.
A fundraising campaign was established to help cover expenses associated with his treatment and recovery.
Despite these difficulties, the family continued supporting Keleki and Laiatu as they pursued their athletic careers.
His Brother Laiatu Latu Shares the Same Polynesian Heritage
Keleki’s older brother, Laiatu Latu, is also of Tongan descent and has become one of the family’s most recognizable professional athletes.
Laiatu attended Jesuit High School before beginning his college football career at the University of Washington.
A serious neck injury temporarily interrupted his career and led to his medical retirement in 2021.
After receiving medical clearance, he transferred to UCLA and developed into one of the country’s leading defensive players.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Laiatu with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
His selection made him one of the prominent NFL players of Tongan heritage.
Keleki has previously discussed the influence of his older brother, particularly the importance of watching his training habits and commitment to football.
The brothers’ shared experiences in Sacramento helped establish their connection to competitive sports.
Keleki Latu’s Childhood and College Football Career
Keleki Latu grew up in Sacramento and attended Jesuit High School, where he played football and rugby.
His athletic background helped him develop the physical skills needed to compete as a tight end.
He began his college career at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2021 before transferring to Nevada in 2023.
During his season at Nevada, Latu recorded 14 receptions for 179 yards before suffering a fractured fibula that ended his campaign.
He transferred to Washington for the 2024 season and became a regular contributor to the Huskies’ offense.
Latu appeared in all 13 games, recording 40 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown.
His performances helped him attract interest from professional teams ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Keleki Latu’s NFL Career With the Buffalo Bills
Latu entered the NFL in 2025 after signing with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
He competed for a roster position during training camp and the preseason, eventually spending time on Buffalo’s practice squad.
The Bills later promoted him to their active roster in December 2025, giving him an opportunity to continue developing at the professional level.
At 6 feet 7 inches tall, Latu offers considerable size at the tight end position, along with experience in blocking and receiving.
His transition from college football to the NFL also placed him alongside his brother as another professional athlete from their family.
As of November 2026, Latu remains associated with the Buffalo Bills, while Laiatu continues his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Both brothers represent a family with Tongan heritage and strong connections to Sacramento’s sporting community.
Leave a Reply