From American Samoa, Domata Peko was selected in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Michigan State and became a beloved anchor along Cincinnati’s defensive front. Known for his flowing locks, boisterous energy, and immovable presence, Peko evolved from a rotational rookie into the heartbeat of Marvin Lewis’s defense.

After his debut season in 2006, Peko became the full-time nose tackle in 2007. Playing in the interior line, his main tasks were to absorb double-teams, clog A-gaps, and create space for linebackers like Rey Maualuga and Vontaze Burfict to make plays. Besides his primary defensive duties, Peko’s athletic ability made him popular with fans, especially on goal-line plays, where he sometimes lined up as a fullback to block for short-yardage touchdowns.

Over his decade-plus tenure in Queen City, Peko was the picture of durability. From 2007 through 2016, he started 155 of 160 regular-season games, anchoring the defense during five consecutive playoff berths (2011–2015). His finest statistical year arrived in 2015, when he logged a career-high 5.0 sacks to complement his interior run-stuffing.

Following the 2016 season, Peko signed a free-agent deal with the Denver Broncos, ending an 11-year run in Cincinnati.  He totaled 517 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in a Cincinnati uniform.