Jonathan Fanene

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Cincinnati Bengals
currentnumber=68
currentposition=Defensive end
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|3|19
birthplace=Pago Pago, American Samoa
country=American Samoa
heightft=6
heightin=4
weight=295
debutyear=2005
debutteam=Cincinnati Bengals
college=Utah
draftyear=2005
draftround=7
draftpick=233
pastteams=
* Cincinnati Bengals (2005-present)
status=Active
nfl=FAN063471

Jonathan Fanene (born March 19, 1982 in Pago Pago, American Samoa) is an American football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah.

College career

While attending the University of Utah, the Utes were able to win the 2005 Fiesta Bowl by defeating the Universiy of Pittsburgh 35-7. At Utah, his jersey was number 91. He was a Sociology major.

Professional career

At the NFL Combine Jonathan had impressive scores. In the 40, Jonathan posted a 4.96. He also completed a 410-pound bench press.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals drafted Jonathan with the 233rd pick in the 7th Round. Jonathan was back living in American Samoa during the draft. Once Jonathan arrived in Cincinnati, he received number 68. Jonathan is teammates with Domata Peko, another Samoan-born player. Jonathan was quoted from 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."

(the quote was in reference to Domata Peko and Matt Toeaina, both Samoan-born players on the Bengals at the time; however, Matt Toeaina was cut during the 2007 season.)

Unfortunately, Jonathan has been slowed by injuries including a hamstring injury in the off-season prior to the 2006 campaign. Jonathan was able to play in four of the final five games of the 2006 season. Jonathan looks to make an impact in the 2007 season. Reportedly, the Baltimore Ravens have expressed interest in Jonathan. Whether the Bengals trade him or not the decision will made in the upcoming off-season. Jonathan has come on strong this year and was instrumental in Cincinnati's victory over Baltimore. In that game he forced a fumble from quarterback Steve McNair. On February 22, 2008, the Bengals and Fanene reached an agreement on a three year extension.