Introduction
DJ Uiagalelei has become one of the most intriguing names in football—his journey from star college quarterback to undrafted NFL aspirant is full of twists. In this deep dive, we’ll explore his ethnicity, whether he’s playing today, and highlight his family, especially his talented younger brother.
Ethnicity: DJ Uiagalelei’s Samoan Roots
DJ Uiagalelei is proudly of Samoan descent. Both of his parents, Dave Uiagalelei and Tasha Uiagalelei, are ethnically Samoan, though American citizens SportskeedaWikipedia. This cultural heritage is rooted in Polynesian values and traditions, which are deeply meaningful both on and off the field.
DJ himself grew up embracing this identity, and his parents’ influence has been fundamental in his football journey. His father, Dave, was a former offensive guard at the University of Hawaii—a strong football culture—and later worked as a celebrity bodyguard. Meanwhile, his mother, Tasha, juggled multiple roles, including working as a real estate agent and being a surrogate six times to support the family. This blend of Pacific Islander roots and strong family values shaped DJ into the athlete he is today.
Is DJ Uiagalelei Playing Today?
Yes—DJ Uiagalelei is indeed playing today. He is currently active with the Los Angeles Chargers, having signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL draft.
He’s made notable appearances during the 2025 preseason:
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In one highlight, his first pass in a game was a 25-yard touchdown to rookie Oronde Gadsden.
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He also connected on a 15-yard TD strike to Luke Grimm.
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But not all plays were perfect; one pass was intercepted for a pick-six by Curtis Robinson of the 49ers.
So yes, DJ is actively playing today—participating in preseason action and competing for position behind starter Justin Herbert. His future, while still uncertain, shows real potential as he continues to develop within the team’s quarterback rotation.
Brother Spotlight: Matayo Uiagalelei
DJ’s younger brother, Matayo Uiagalelei, is making waves of his own—on the defensive side of the ball.
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Matayo plays as a defensive end for the Oregon Ducks.
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He is also of Samoan descent, sharing the same cultural heritage.
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As a high-profile recruit (a five-star, top-50 recruit), Matayo has become a dominant force in Oregon’s pass rush, consistently rising up NFL draft boards.
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He is affectionately nicknamed “Young Concrete”, a nod to his uncle “Concrete,” a music producer; Matayo is also a multi-talented creator—producing music, sewing, painting shoes, and even cutting hair at home.
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In his freshman season, he made significant defensive impact: multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and a sack against his own brother DJ, when DJ was quarterback at Oregon State.
The Uiagalelei brothers are both carving their paths—DJ on offense, Matayo on defense—each carrying on a legacy of athleticism, creativity, and family drive.
Summary Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | DJ is of Samoan descent; parents Dave & Tasha are Samoan Americans. |
| Playing Today | Active with Chargers; preseason TD passes and notable plays in 2025. |
| Brother | Matayo is a dominant Oregon Ducks defensive end—creative and high-flier. |
Closing Thoughts
DJ Uiagalelei’s story is more than stats and highlights. It’s a tale of cultural pride, family bonds, and perseverance. From his roots in Samoan heritage to his current role with the Chargers, and with his brother Matayo rising in the defensive ranks at Oregon, the Uiagalelei name continues to shine across football fields and beyond.
