Introduction
Diego Pavia has become a rising star in college football, not only for his on‑field performances but also for his larger-than-life personality and the viral moments involving his family. From his mother’s surprising bet with comedian Theo Von to his playful mention of pop star Tate McRae, Pavia’s personal life has gained as much attention as his quarterbacking. Below, we dive into his background — his parents, siblings, heritage, and the headlines he’s made.
Early Life & Age
Diego Pavia was born on April 30, 2001, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
As of 2025, he is 24 years old.
He attended Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, where he excelled in football.
Family: Mom, Dad, Siblings
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Mother: His mother is Antoinette Padilla, who raised him as a single parent.
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Father: His father is Roel Pavia, though less publicly visible, he is part of Diego’s family narrative.
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Siblings: Diego has three siblings — two older brothers, Roel Jr. and Javier, and a younger sister named Abrielle.
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His mother is often credited by Diego as a driving force in his life: “She raised me a winner.”
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According to reports, Antoinette grew up in a large family (13 siblings), which shaped her hard‑working, no-nonsense ethic.
Diego Pavia’s Race & Ethnicity
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Diego Pavia is American by nationality, born and raised in New Mexico.
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Ethnically, he is of Hispanic descent. Both of his parents have Hispanic roots, making him Hispanic-American.
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Some sources also note European ancestry: according to PlayersBio, his last name “Pavia” suggests Spanish and Italian lineage, while his mother’s surname “Padilla” is common in Latin American (especially Mexican) heritage.
Education & College Career
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After high school, Diego began his college football career at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) (2020–2021).
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He then transferred to New Mexico State University, where he played for the Aggies (2022–2023).
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In 2024, he transferred to Vanderbilt University, joining the Commodores as their quarterback.
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His academic major: he studied Biology at NMSU and is said to be a graduate student at Vanderbilt.
Notable Family Moment: Theo Von & Tate McRae
One of the most viral stories surrounding Pavia involves his mother Antoinette Padilla and a bet with comedian Theo Von:
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Pavia joked that if Vanderbilt won a specific game, Theo Von would get to take his mom on a date.
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After Vanderbilt’s upset win, Pavia clarified that the deal came with a twist: only if Von arranged for Diego to take Tate McRae on a date first.
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On X (formerly Twitter), Pavia wrote:
“what @TheoVon forgot is, I said it was a deal if and only if he told @tatemcrae to lemme take her on A1 date in Nashville … twitter make it happen”
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The moment made headlines because of its mix of sports, humor, and pop‑culture.
Who is Tate McRae? (in relation to Pavia)
Since she’s part of this viral bet, here’s a quick look at Tate McRae:
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Full name: Tate Rosner McRae.
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Born: July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Parents: Her mother is Tanja Rosner (German descent, dance instructor), and her father is Todd McRae (Scottish ancestry).
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Ethnicity/Race: Mixed — German (maternal) and Scottish (paternal).
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Career: She is a singer, dancer, and songwriter with hits like “You Broke Me First”.
Why This Matters: Impact & Public Persona
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Humanizing the Athlete: Pavia’s family background, especially his close and public relationship with his mother, gives fans a more personal look at his life beyond football.
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Viral Moment Generator: The Theo Von–Tate McRae bet is an example of how modern athletes can cross into pop culture and social media virality.
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Cultural Representation: As a Hispanic-American quarterback, Pavia adds to the diversity conversation in college football, increasing representation in a high-visibility role.
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Character Insight: His willingness to publicly joke and make playful deals suggests a charismatic, confident personality — qualities that resonate well with younger audiences and media alike.
Conclusion
Diego Pavia isn’t just a talented quarterback; he’s a figure who blends athletic skill with personality, heritage, and humor. His family — especially his mom, Antoinette Padilla — plays a central role in his identity. The viral moment involving Theo Von and Tate McRae underscores how his life off the field often makes as much noise as his performance on it. Understanding his background — from age and ethnicity to his relationships — helps fans connect more deeply with who Diego Pavia is, both as a player and a person.
