Cardinals DT Leki Fotu Recovers Fumble During Week 17 Against Falcons
Jan 1, 2023, 2:09 PM
Matt Prater #5 celebrates with Leki Fotu #95 of the Arizona Cardinals after kicking a field goal in the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Utes and current Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Leki Fotu recovered a fumble during Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons hosted the Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1.
With 10:46 remaining in the first half, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder lost the ball and Fotu recovered it at the Atlanta eight-yard line. It was Fotu’s first career fumble recovery.
WE'LL TAKE IT! pic.twitter.com/SFZLi31G0e
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 1, 2023
Two plays later, Trey McBride punched the ball into the end zone for a four-yard Cardinals touchdown.
The score gave Arizona a 10-7 lead.
Arizona went on to lose the game on a field goal by Atlanta as time expired. The Falcons captured a 20-19 win.
Fotu finished the game with two total tackles, one solo tackle, and a fumble recovery. The former Utah standout entered the game with 28 total tackles and 11 solo tackles this season.
With the loss, the Cardinals dropped to a 4-12 record this season.
Final. pic.twitter.com/d9ssp7tcI2
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 1, 2023
Arizona closes out its 2022 season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, January 8. Kickoff time and television details are still to be determined.
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About Leki Fotu
Before his professional career, Fotu was a standout player at Herriman High School and the University of Utah.
Fotu played for the Utes from 2016-19.
He finished his Utah career with 85 total tackles, 43 solo tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 45 games played.
RELATED: How Former Utah DT Leki Fotu Will Fit In With Arizona Cardinals
After his time at Utah, Fotu was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 114 overall pick during the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
During his three seasons in the NFL, Fotu has recorded 58 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
