American football player (born 1996)
Rex Sunahara (born October 9, 1996) is an American professional football long snapper for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Rhode Island and West Virginia.
Early life.
Sunahara was born on October 9, 1996. His young brother RJ plays college basketball for Georgia, and his father, Reed Sunahara, is the head coach of the women's volleyball program at WVU. He attended Bay High School, where he played varsity baseball, football, and basketball. He played as a wide receiver and defensive back in high school. In his senior year, he earned All-Ohio Division IV Third Team honors. Rex committed to the University of Rhode Island in order to remain a multi-sport athlete and converted to playing long snapper.
College career.
University of Rhode Island.
Sunahara played football at Rhode Island and walked on to the basketball. During the football season, he appeared in eight games as the long snapper and recorded 4 special teams tackles. During the basketball season, he appeared in 3 games and logged 1 rebound. After his first year at Rhode Island, Sunahara decided to transfer to West Virginia and attempt to walk-on to the football team.
West Virginia University.
Sunahara walked on to the West Virginia football team before the 2016 season and served as a backup to Nick Meadows for two years. In 2018, Sunahara became the Mountaineers starting long snapper. Over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Sunahara started 24 games and recorded 4 special teams tackles. Following the 2019 season, Sunahara was named a Patrick Mannelly Award Semifinalist. He was also invited to participate in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Game and the 2020 Hula Bowl All-Star Game.
Professional career.
Miami Dolphins.
Sunahara signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on August 1, 2020. He was waived on August 4, 2020, and participated in a workout for the Pittsburgh Steelers before being signed to the Dolphins practice squad on November 16, 2020. Sunahara signed a reserve/futures deal upon completion of the 2020 NFL season and returned to the Dolphins practice squad for the 2021 season. Sunahara was again waived by the Dolphins on August 9, 2021.
Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sunahara signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2021, and was assigned to the practice squad. He was cut two days later, but returned to sign a reserve/futures contract on January 18, 2022. The Steelers waived him on May 10, 2022.
San Antonio Brahmas.
On November 17, 2022, Sunahara was selected with the 7th pick of the specialists phase of the 2023 XFL Draft by the San Antonio Brahmas. He appeared in all ten games before receiving an invitation to a workout with the Steelers on June 2, 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint).
On June 19, 2023, Sunahara signed a one-year deal with the Steelers. He was released on August 26, 2023.
San Antonio Brahmas (second stint).
On January 24, 2024, Sunahara re-signed with the San Antonio Brahmas. His contract was terminated on August 8.
Cleveland Browns.
On August 8, 2024, Sunahara signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was waived on August 26, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released a few days later. He was signed to the active roster on October 9.
References.
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