Upon completing his high school career, Satele decided to attend his family's alma mater, the University of Hawaii, instead of Oregon State, Utah and Notre Dame. During his first year at Hawaii, in 2005, Satele sat out for the season. The following year, Satele played in nine games for the Warriors as a linebacker and as a special teamer. In 2007, Satele played in twelve games mostly on the special teams unit. Satele performed in all fourteen games for the Warriors in 2008 as the middle linebacker. Satele recorded a career high 53 tackles, with six for a loss, a sack, an interception, one forced fumble and five passes defensed. In August 2009, Satele suffered a left shoulder injury while attempting to make a tackle during a team practice. The injury, a torn labrum, required surgery that prematurely ended his 2009 campaign. Satele submitted a medical exemption application to the NCAA in order to attempt a comeback with the Warriors in 2010 however, the application was denied as the NCAA determined that Satele did not have the proper documentation to prove he redshirted the 2005 season due to injury. Following the ruling, Satele was made eligible to enter the NFL.
After going undrafted, Satele reached an agreement with the Oakland Raiders on a free agent contract. Though Satele signed the contract, two days prior to having to report to mini-camp, Satele learned that the Raiders failed to "execute the contract" after receiving his signature thus, allowing him to try out with another NFL team. Satele was invited to participate during the New York Jets' rookie mini-camp, where he performed well. On May 2, Satele agreed to a three-year contract with the team. After suffering an ankle injury through training camp and the preseason, Satele was released by the team during the final roster cuts on September 4, 2010. His attempts to make the team were documented on Hard Knocks. Satele was signed to the practice squad on December 8, 2010. Following the season, Satele signed a future contract on January 25, 2011. He was waived on September 2.
Satele signed a reserve/future contract with the Dallas Cowboys on January 12, 2012. Satele was released by Dallas on May 7. Satele was re-signed to the team's practice squad later in the season on December 12, 2012.
