An undrafted Washington State linebacker who became an every-down force for the Commanders' defense.
Frankie Luvu entered the NFL undrafted out of Washington State and developed into one of the league's most versatile linebackers. He helped Washington reach the NFC Championship Game in 2024 with a breakout season. His 2025 production dipped as the Commanders reshaped how they used him.
Path to the league
Luvu went undrafted out of Washington State and worked his way up as a special-teamer before earning defensive snaps. His blend of blitzing and coverage ability eventually made him a full-time starter. He signed with Washington and quickly became a centerpiece of the front seven.
Career highlights
Luvu's 2024 season stood out, as he posted 99 tackles, eight sacks and an interception while helping the Commanders reach the NFC Championship Game. That production fueled preseason buzz about a possible first Pro Bowl nod. He has started all 17 games for three consecutive seasons.
2025 season
Luvu started all 17 games again in 2025 but recorded 86 tackles, 3.0 sacks, six passes defensed and two forced fumbles, his lowest tackle and sack totals since 2021. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. pulled him off most pass-rush situations, which curtailed his sack output. He also served a one-game punishment for repeated safety-rules violations, originally a suspension that was reduced to a $100,000 fine on appeal.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated: Commanders' Frankie Luvu could enjoy breakout season
- ESPN: Frankie Luvu player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
17 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | commanders | 17 | 86 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | commanders | 17 | 99 | 54 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | panthers | 17 | 125 | 66 | 5.5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 | panthers | 15 | 111 | 76 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021 | panthers | 16 | 43 | 26 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2020 | jets | 13 | 25 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | jets | 13 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | jets | 14 | 22 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Washington State
- Hometown
- Tafuna, American Samoa
- Age
- 29
- Status
- active
