Shae Suiaunoa Bets on Himself for 2025 NFL Draft

Jeff Bugher
Apr 25
4 min read

Updated: Apr 25

Shae Suiaunoa (43), Photo by Ian Cadena, PokesNew.com Photographer

LARAMIE, Wyo. — As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, former University of Wyoming linebacker Shae Suiaunoa is staying grounded.

Suiaunoa, a native of Houston, Texas and a key piece of the Cowboys' defense in recent seasons, has been quietly working out and preparing for his shot at the NFL. While some prospects train at high-profile camps or with specialized coaches, Suiaunoa has chosen a different path.

“I’m doing stuff on my own,” he said. “Working out, enjoying my time off, moving around a little bit, doing things I haven’t been able to do before.”

Although formal contact with NFL franchises has been limited so far, Suiaunoa says there have been conversations — mostly logistical, with teams confirming updated contact information and background details.

“They’re just updating my information — graduation year, phone number, stuff like that,” he said. “Nothing too major, just some conversations.”

But make no mistake, Suiaunoa is ready.

“I want teams to know I’m ready to come in and be the best version of myself,” he said. “I want to work hard and show I can compete at the highest level — not just be a great player, but a great role player and teammate.”

His motivation? It’s personal.

“Going to the next level is a new challenge, a way for me to grow,” he said. “It opens new doors. I’ve learned a lot at the college level, and now I want to test myself.”

Suiaunoa is taking the process in stride — with a mindset that values both independence and experience.

“It’s been kind of my own experience so far,” he said. “But I’ve been able to pick up little things — like staying in shape, staying focused — and I’ve enjoyed learning on my own.”

Professional Athletes Run in the Family

His support system includes his parents and family. His cousin, Brennan Bernardino, is a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, and he has experienced the rigors of professional baseball. Additionally, after a collegiate career at Northwestern, Suiaunoa’s maternal great-grandfather, Frank Baker, played for the Green Bay Packers in 1931, including winning the NFL Championship that year. In 1995, Baker was inducted into the Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame.

Shae Suiaunoa with cousin Brennan Bernardino and family (courtesy photo)

Bio courtesy of the Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame:

"A football standout for the Wildcats from 1928-1930, Baker became the fifth Northwestern football player to be named All-American in 1930. That year, he was co-captain of the NU squad that won the Big Ten Championship with a 7-1 overall record and an undefeated 5-0 mark in the Big Ten. Baker was the president of his sophomore class during his time at Northwestern, and was also a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Following the 1930 season, he was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco. Baker played only one season in the NFL with Green Bay, but that year helped the Packers to a 12-2 record and their third straight NFL Championship.

After football, Baker pursued a career in motion pictures, and he signed a contract with MGM. He also served in World War II as a B-17 pilot, and he remained in the Air Force for a period after the war. He eventually settled in the Bay Area."

“That history is something I’m proud of,” he said.

Though he doesn’t expect to hear his name called on day one or two of the draft, Suiaunoa isn’t stressing.

“I figure I’m a third-day guy — maybe drafted, maybe not,” he said. “But I’ll treat it like a normal day. I’m not going to celebrate until something happens.”

As for what he brings to the table, Suiaunoa points to his versatility and communication on the field.

“My athletic ability lets me play in different spots,” he said. “But my communication — helping others understand things, getting everyone aligned — that’s one of my biggest strengths.”

For now, he’s focused on staying ready and reflecting on the journey.

When asked about his favorite memory in the Brown and Gold, he pointed to the 2023 Border War win over Colorado State — a home-game victory that capped a hard-fought rivalry.

Statistics at the University of Wyoming

Suiaunoa appeared in 59 games across six seasons, racking up 267 total tackles, including 153 solo stops and 21 tackles for loss. He also recorded six sacks, two interceptions, and six passes defended.

Suiaunoa broke out in 2022 with 73 tackles, five tackles for loss, and his first career interception. He followed that with a strong junior campaign in 2023, posting 93 tackles along with six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and another pick. In his final season, he added 88 tackles and a career-best ten tackles for loss.

Suiaunoa never missed a game from 2021 to 2024.

And if football weren’t in the picture?

“I’d be golfing,” he said with a grin. “I'd be trying to be a professional golfer.”

Whether it’s swinging clubs or calling out plays from the middle of a defense, Suiaunoa is chasing excellence — and betting on himself every step of the way.