Taisun Phommachanh’s name might be tough to call, but trying to sack the 6’4 quarterback is even tougher. After committing with the Clemson Tigers for 2019 to 21, where he only served as a backup, he transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2022 season. He finally found his spot with the UMass Minutemen. As a redshirt junior in nine games in the 2023 season for the Minutemen, he completed 139 passes on 227 attempts and amassed 1,507 yards, including six touchdowns. At the minute, the Minutemen are 1-6 overall at the end of week 7 with a fresh 45-3 home beating to Missouri.

Phommachanh’s dual-threat capabilities, combined with his ability to read defenses and make plays under pressure, have made the run-pass option a viable strategy. His football prowess has been a standout, reminding us why he’s so highly regarded. But no brownie points guessing why. It is no surprise as the ‘Phommachanh fam’ has been in the huddle for quite some time now.

It’s in the blood of Taisum Phommachanh and his family

Born into a family that breathes football, Taisun’s success comes as no shock to those who know the Phommachanh clan. At the helm of it was his father, Sam Phommachanh, a Lao American who was born in Vientiane and immigrated to the United States as a child. And mother Jasmine. They have raised four sons and a daughter. Each has taken to the gridiron like ducks to water. Unfortunately, Taisun’s dad couldn’t wrap his luck around playing professionally, but we can say that he passed down his ball knowledge to his children. He also went on to secure a Bachelor of Business from the University of Bridgeport and currently works in the real estate industry. Coupled with Jasmine’s support, they cultivated a household where sportsmanship is the foundation.

The proof is with Taisun’s brothers, Jordan and Tyler. Who are all college-level football players—The eldest Jordan plays for Curry College and Tyler previously played for the UConn Huskies. But the athletic genes don’t stop there. The family’s youngest athlete, Kaylah, is a star in her own right, excelling in track and field at Bunnell High School. It’s safe to say that competition and athletic excellence are in the Phommachanh DNA.

Taisum Phommachanh’s dad knows a thing or two about football

Taisun’s father is the root cause of football. Sam was hooked on the sport from a young age. He got his start in the streets, playing football with his friends in the neighborhood, where his speed caught the eye of an older player. “He told me I should try out,” advised the veteran to Sam. His talents didn’t go unnoticed—he became a standout quarterback at Harding High School in Bridgeport, earning both All-State and All-League honors from 1988 to 1990. “I grew up in the Dan Marino era, and started practicing throwing,” he added to explain his passion for football. Although his football career didn’t extend to the professional level, Sam found a different way to make his mark on the sport: through his children. It’s no shame to say that Sam and Jasmine have built a football dynasty in their own home.

The Phommachanh family’s football story isn’t just about talent. When Sam met Jasmine, it was clear they would form a dynamic team both in life and in raising their family. In fact, it was football that helped bring them together, as one of Sam’s go-to wide receivers also became his go-to matchmaker. His friend was dating a young Hattian-American woman and introduced Sam to her sister, Jasmine. You know the rest. Scoring both on and off the field! Taisun may be the current cynosure, but his siblings aren’t far behind. One thing is for certain, the Phommachanh name isn’t leaving the football scene anytime soon.