” (My father) was the one that threw me into the fire of playing football,” said Niuafe Tuihalamaka Jr., who is mostly known as Junior Tuihalamaka. The four-star composite player had his best performance to date for Notre Dame on Saturday against Miami. The interception made by Junior Tuihalamaka garnered attention, even leading to Notre Dame’s 28-3 victory over Miami (Ohio). It reflects the passion held by Notre Dame’s junior linebacker, Tuihalamaka Jr., for the gridiron. 

However, the rising star of Fighting Irish was introduced to football when he was 10 or 11 years old. Since then, the star athlete demonstrated his potential and high caliber in every game. Last season he was characterized by significant defensive plays. He recorded 10 tackles with 7 solo tackles in all 13 games. Hence, it seems like football is in his blood. Now the question arises, has he inherited football skills from his family members?

Junior Tuihalamaka’s family background 

Junior Tuihalamaka is the son of Niuafe Tuihalamaka Sr. and Taliuta Viliamu-Asa. He has two siblings who all love playing sports, especially football. Among them, one of his elder brothers was from his father’s previous marriage. Albeit all of them share a deep bond and their immense love for football was instilled by Tuihalamaka Sr., who played football in grade school; then he moved towards rugby. 

On the other hand, Junior Tuihalamaka’s mother isn’t a sports person even though she was scared to allow her children to play football because of the high risk of injuries. However, with time, she saw their growth and love for football, and she started to support Junior Tuihalamaka and his siblings. So, you can understand the entire family holds a tremendous passion for football in the current scenario. Presently Tuihalamaka Jr’s entire family lives in Arizona, although his dad was born in the American Samoan Islands. The younger child of the Tuihalamaka family shared a deep connection with his father. “To be able to have a father like him was definitely a blessing. He’s hard on me. Wake up at 5:00, or 4:30. Train two or three times a day. It’s always tough love,” said Tuihalamaka Junior. Let’s delve deep into his father’s contribution to his football journey. 

Tuihalamaka Sr.’s contribution in Jr.’s football journey

“He gave me advice on how his life was different and how I can exceed expectations” said Tuihalamaka Jr., describing his father’s contribution to his football journey. His father was his only coach during his childhood. Although he was trained as a rugby player by his father. As his father, Tuihalamaka Sr. was always the best rugby player. “Rugby workouts are probably as brutal as (Matt) Balis workouts. To experience those workouts has helped me to understand what life is going to hand me in the long run,” said Junior Tuihalamaka. Therefore, Senior has a huge influence and involvement in Jr.’s football career.

Not only his father, but Jr.’s uncle, Nehumi Tuihalamaka, also played an integral role in his football career. When Tuihalamaka Jr. was in eighth grade, the first time he traveled out of state with his uncle for training. “I work with my uncle, who pushed me through adversity.” said junior Tuihalamaka. Presently, the star athlete of Notre Dame is preparing for his next challenge in college football.