Tanielu “Daniel” Ekuale, a Samoan American football defensive tackle for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL), was born on January 13, 1994. He played college football at Washington State.
Ekuale was a member of the Washington State Cougars for five seasons, redshirting his true freshman season. He became a starter at nose tackle for the Cougars during his redshirt junior season, recording a career-high 23 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a sack.
Ekuale entered his redshirt senior season on the watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year and made 17 tackles (3.5 for loss) and one sack while starting 12 of WSU’s 13 games. He finished his collegiate career with 71 total tackles (14 for loss) with three sacks and two forced fumbles.
On September 8, 2020, Ekuale was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 28, 2020.
In Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings, Ekuale recorded his first career sack on Kirk Cousins during the 27–24 overtime loss. On August 31, 2021, Ekuale was waived by the Jaguars.
On September 5, 2021, the New England Patriots signed Ekuale to the practice squad. Ekuale spent the entire 2021 regular season on the Patriots practice squad but was elevated to the 53-man roster a total of eight times.
On December 6, 2021, Ekuale had 2 tackles and a sack in the Patriots’ 14-10 win over the Buffalo Bills. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on January 25, 2022. Ekuale was suspended for the first two games of the 2022 season.
There are no details about his marital status. He may be married or unmarried. There are also no rumors about his wife and girlfriend.