Eku Leota, Pittsburgh Steelers‘ linebacker, is a popular name in the NFL world. Eku’s parents encouraged his passion for football, leading him to excel at Asheville High School and later at Northwestern and Auburn Universities. Petelo’s rugby background and Molly’s emphasis on education shaped Eku’s well-rounded personality.

Eku’s NFL journey began with the Carolina Panthers, where he played eight games in 2023. He recorded a sack and three tackles for loss in the 2024 season-opener. After being waived and re-signed to the practice squad, Eku joined the Steelers, who announced his signing on Tuesday. As a Steelers practice squad member, Eku will contribute to the team’s preparation and potentially elevate to active status for games. The Steelers, six-time Super Bowl champions, seek to strengthen their defense with Eku’s skills. With his determination and family support, the 25-year-old is poised for success in Pittsburgh.

Who is Eku Leota’s father?

Meet Petelo Leota, the proud dad of Auburn’s star defensive lineman Eku Leota. Petelo’s influence on Eku’s life extends beyond the football field. A rugby enthusiast himself, Petelo never pushed his sons to play football but instead encouraged their passion for the sport. “He’s like a puma or something to me,” Molly, Eku’s mom, says about Petelo’s favorite description of Eku’s gameplay.

Petelo’s background in rugby is rooted in his Samoan heritage, where the sport is extremely popular. Growing up, Petelo played rugby, and his love for the game has been passed down to his sons. Eku’s older brother, Pika, played at South Carolina, and his younger brother Tamatoa is now at Yale.

As a father, Petelo emphasizes the importance of family and humility. “My heart was full” when Auburn fans invited him to their tailgate at LSU, he recalls. Petelo’s warm personality has earned him admiration from Auburn fans, who appreciate his genuine enthusiasm.

Who is Eku Leota’s mother?

Molly McDonough-Leota, Eku’s mom, is the driving force behind his success. A vegan and avid hiker, Molly’s lifestyle has rubbed off on Eku, who now prioritizes nutrition. “He’s like a cougar,” Molly proudly says, describing Eku’s explosive gameplay.

Befo͏r͏e mar͏rying Petelo͏,͏ Molly ͏was a dancer. ͏He͏r cr͏eative side and love for͏ adventure have shaped Eku͏’s we͏ll-͏rounded p͏ersonality. M͏olly’͏s fa͏th͏e͏r, a medical graduate from ͏North-western, instilled͏ in her the value of education. Eku’s decision ͏t͏o at͏ten͏d North-western and͏ later ͏transfer t͏o ͏Auburn was influenced by͏ Mo͏lly’͏s em͏phasis on academic excell͏ence.

Molly’s account of Eku’s childhood is heartwarming. She recalls gifting Eku his first football, which he slept with every night. “Other kids might have a stuffed animal; he just had his football.” Molly’s support has been unwavering, attending every game possible with Petelo and their children.

The Leota family’s Samoan-American heritage is deeply rooted in their values. Molly and Petelo have passed down their cultural traditions to their children. Eku’s love for his Samoan roots is evident in his post-game interviews, where he proudly mentions his heritage.

As Eku continues to shine on the football field, Molly and Petelo remain his biggest cheerleaders. Their emphasis on family, education, and humility has shaped Eku into an outstanding athlete and individual.