Imagine going through the pain of medical retirement and getting cut from your college program. Yes, that’s what happened with Laiatu Latu when he suffered a brutal neck injury that almost pushed him out of football. Playing for the Washington Huskies at that time, their doctors didn’t deem it fit to allow Latu to play what he loved.

2021 was the worst possible year in Latu’s inspiring football journey. He knocked on the doors of one college program to the other in hopes of getting an answer. However, no one answered until UCLA opened the door for him to return in 2022. Well, after a few months of non-contact training, the Bruins doctors cleared Latu to hop back on the gridiron. From that moment on, the Jesuit alum didn’t look back until he reached his ultimate goal to play in the NFL. And guess what? It’s his faith that kept on guiding him through the adversities he faced in his career.

Is Laiatu Latu Polynesian?

All we can say is that Laiatu Latu is a Sacramento native. And his single mom, Kerry Latu, also comes from the same background. So, both of them hold American nationality. But here’s the thing: In his last season with the Bruins, Latu won Polynesian College Football Defensive Player of the Year (2023). And judging by the award, Latu could be of Polynesian descent.

While there isn’t much information on his Polynesian ancestry, Latu surely made his Polynesian roots proud with that achievement. And while doing so, he also entered UCLA’s record books. None of the Polynesian players before Latu managed to pick that award until he did it in 2023. Considering the journey he took to reach such milestones, it doesn’t really surprise us to see the guy make a name for himself.

Where is Laiatu Latu from?

Laiatu Latu’s roots can be traced back to Sacramento, California. Even after making waves in his NFL career with Indianapolis, unlike others, Latu fondly remembers his childhood days, “I miss the home feeling—knowing every freeway, every corner like the back of my hand. The sunsets and skies here are nice, but there’s nothing like being home with family and friends.” Of course, Latu would miss their hometown, which gave him everything until he became famous by joining the Colts.

So when the time came for him to express his gratitude, Latu didn’t shy away from doing so, “Sacramento is where it all began for me. The people there shaped my life in so many positive ways.” Judging by Latu’s true feelings about being a Sacramento native. He shows that no matter how big you grow, you should never forget your humble beginnings.