Born: December 13, 2000- Inglewood, California
Entering 2026:  Years as a Lion: 3rd   Years in CFL: 3rd   Status: American
Career Games: 24   Playoffs: 3    Grey Cup: 0

Acquired:

Jonah was signed as a free agent by the Lions in January 2024. On January 1, 2026, he signed a two-year extension with the club.

Highlights:

2025: Year two for Tavai saw the stout defensive lineman enjoy an increased role, with 13 regular season appearances, 26 defensive tackles and five sacks. Tavai added five more tackles and a sack in two Grey Cup Playoff appearances.

2024: Jonah performed well in his first CFL training camp and emerged with a spot on the practice squad before suiting up in 11 regular season games and recording 12 defensive tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Played in the Western Semi-Final at Saskatchewan and recorded one tackle.

2023: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a non-drafted free agent and would be with the club for rookie mini-camp.

College:

2019-22: Jonah enjoyed a productive four years with San Diego State, recording 147 combined tackles (77 solo, 70 assisted), 36 tackles for a loss, 24 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles over 48 games. Named to the First Team All-Mountain West in his senior season after racking up 60 combined tackles (32 solo, 28 assisted), 14 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks