“Other kids might have a stuffed animal. He just had his football.” That’s the Steelers linebacker, Eku Leota, for you. When Leota’s aunt gave him a football for Christmas, the last thing anyone expected was for it to turn into his dream of making it to the NFL. And honestly, you can’t blame them. The Leotas are from Samoa, so, football wasn’t exactly top of mind for them growing up.

Even though their dad wasn’t really into American football, in his own way, he’s the one who laid the foundation for their athleticism. And, of course, a big shoutout to Eku’s aunt for that game-changing Christmas gift that didn’t just kickstart the 25-year-old LB’s career but also got his brothers into the football world. Speaking of which, Eku has an older brother, Pika, and a younger brother, Tama.

Is Eku Leota related to Tamatoa McDonough?

Leota’s father, Petelo Leota, played rugby, and that’s how love for football emerged in his three sons after moving to America. As Eku was roaring at the North Western University, his younger brother Tamatoa McDonough followed his brothers’ legacy at Asheville High. Though Tama has taken his mother’s last name to honor his grandfather, Jim McDonough, his athleticism and physical abilities still lie with the Leotas.

Standing at 6’5” and weighing nearly 250 pounds, Tama is the youngest of three brothers and graduated from Asheville High as an all-time sack leader. All credit to his brothers, Eku and Pika also known as Peter and Andrews. “I’ve learned a lot watching my brothers,” said McDonough. “I’ve watched the adversity they’ve gone through and seen how much work it takes to be successful in this sport.”

Just like his brothers, Tama signed for the Division I program after graduating and became the third members of the Leota family to do so. As an all-time sack leader in high school, no wonder he received a number of offers from the colleges, and eventually, he ended up at Yale University. “My brothers told me that if my goal was to get to the NFL, that it didn’t matter what college I went to,” McDonough said. “If I show out, I’ll have a chance to make it.”

His eldest brother, Pika, is a former college football player who played at the University of South Carolina. However, he couldn’t make it to the NFL, but he’s all in supporting his younger brothers, Eku and Tama for their success.

How many Sisters does Eku Leota have?

All brothers on the football field? Well, Eku does have someone to cheer for him from the sidelines. Leota has two younger sisters, Malieta and Osofa’i. Growing up, Leota’s sisters were always there supporting him and his brothers as they made their way to the football journey. Osofa’i, Eku’s younger sister used to play with her friends at his brother’s game but now follows all the 60 minutes of his game.

On the other hand, Malieta, his youngest sister is all in capturing memories of his brother’s game. Not to forget, when Eku Leota made his first sack at Northwestern, it was Malieta who had her phone ready to capture the moment. Although the video was kinda blur due to the family’s excitement.

As it stands, Eku Leota has now entered the gridiron with the Pittsburgh te,am and now all eyes are on Tama ahe marksng his senior year with the Yale Bulldogs football team.