
Manti Te’o, the former Notre Dame linebacker and NFL player, recently shared a heartfelt memory of BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake during the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. Te’o recounted an encounter from his youth that left a lasting impression on him.
At the time, Te’o was an eighth-grade player attending the All-Poly football camp, an event known for bringing together some of the state’s top talent. During a scrimmage, he suffered an injury—a blow to the nose that left him on the sidelines, tears streaming down his face and blood dripping from his nose. It was in this vulnerable moment that Sitake, then serving as the linebacker coach at the University of Utah, approached him.
Sitake placed his arm around the young athlete and offered words of encouragement: “Hey, young man, one day, you’re gonna be somebody special. And when that happens, I hope you remember me.” Te’o was deeply moved by Sitake’s belief in him at such a formative stage in his life. He remarked, “It meant so much to me to have a coach really believe in me at that time.” Te’o also noted that Sitake’s success at BYU was unsurprising, attributing it to his genuine care and mentorship.
This interaction highlights the profound impact that coaches can have on young athletes, not only through their guidance on the field but also through their support and belief in their potential off the field. Te’o’s recollection serves as a testament to the lasting influence of mentorship and the importance of positive reinforcement in the development of young talent.
Kalani Sitake’s induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame further underscores his significant contributions to the sport and his community. His journey from a young coach at Utah to the head coach at BYU, and now to a Hall of Famer, reflects his dedication and the respect he has earned from players like Te’o. Sitake’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others, qualities that have left an indelible mark on those he has mentored throughout his career.
Te’o’s touching memory not only honors Sitake’s influence on his life but also highlights the broader theme of mentorship in sports. It serves as a reminder of the power of encouragement and the lasting impact that a single moment of kindness can have on an individual’s journey.
As Te’o continues to reflect on his career and the mentors who shaped him, his story, along with Sitake’s, contributes to the rich tapestry of narratives that celebrate the human side of sports. Their shared history exemplifies the profound connections that can be forged through the love of the game and the mutual respect between coach and player.
In conclusion, Manti Te’o’s recollection of his encounter with Kalani Sitake serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of mentorship and the lasting impact that coaches can have on the lives of their players. It underscores the importance of believing in others and offering support, qualities that transcend the boundaries of the football field and resonate deeply in the hearts of those who experience them.