Nico Iamaleava transferred from Tennessee to be closer to his family rather than for financial reasons. He commutes along the 405 to visit his parents, enjoying home-cooked Samoan pisupo and spending time with his recovering mother. His mother, Leinna, recovered from Stage IV breast cancer and remains in remission. Iamaleava established a foundation two years ago to support breast cancer research and awareness. He wore a pink elastic band reading Team Leinna during practice. The redshirt sophomore became a polarizing figure after abruptly leaving Tennessee but remains focused and confident the UCLA offense can dominate with proper execution.
Every pump of the brakes, every maddening mile in traffic that can be more stop than go, puts him closer to hearing his dad's voice and seeing his mom's smile. These are the visits that can fill a young man's heart, not to mention his belly. During a recent trip home, the UCLA quarterback savored the family recipe of pisupo, a Samoan dish consisting of corned beef with rice.
As he spoke, Iamaleava's hair was tied back with a pink elastic band reading Team Leinna. Two years ago, Nico established a foundation to support breast cancer research and awareness after his mom, Leinna, recovered from Stage IV breast cancer. He hasn't abandoned the cause even though his mom remains in remission. She's doing good, you know, she's recovered well, and no setbacks, Nico said. Blessed, man, and glad that she's healthy.
It might feel as if everything is falling into place for the redshirt sophomore transfer who became the nation's most polarizing college football player last spring in the wake of his abrupt departure from Tennessee. None of that makes any difference now. No matter what was said about him or the motives behind his move, he's about to experience what could be the big payoff.
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