Paul Moala recently signed with the Chicago Bears, and he sat down with us to share his inspiring journey to the NFL. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the support of close individuals in his life.
Paul’s parents were born in Tonga and moved to the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They initially settled in California before relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, in the early 2000s, where Paul was born. After eight years in Utah, the family moved to Indiana due to his father’s new job. It was in Indiana that Paul grew up and developed his passion for football, eventually earning the opportunity to play college football at Notre Dame.
Paul’s love for football began in Salt Lake City, where he played with older boys since he wasn’t old enough to join little league football. Practicing with a team coached by a friend’s father allowed him to grasp the fundamentals and fall in love with the game. This early exposure, along with playing pickup football with his older brother and neighbors, showcased his athletic talent and deepened his passion for football.
Throughout his journey, Paul’s older brother served as his role model. As the first in their family to play football, his brother introduced them to a world that was entirely new and unfamiliar to their parents. Seeing his brother succeed motivated Paul to follow in his footsteps. Paul’s father, a former National Rugby League player for Tonga, also inspired him with stories of travel and representing their Tongan nationality, instilling pride and a desire to excel in sports.
Paul faced significant challenges during his college football career. At Notre Dame, he tore his right Achilles tendon during his junior year and, after recovering, tore his left Achilles tendon in the first game of his senior year. These back-to-back injuries nearly ended his football career, but Paul refused to give up. He transferred to the University of Idaho, where he played well enough to earn another opportunity at a higher level, ultimately leading him to Georgia Tech.
Signing with the Chicago Bears was a dream come true for Paul. He credits his agent, Kanani, for guiding him to the Bears, believing it was the best fit. Paul’s tryout experience in Chicago was intense. On the third day of tryouts, he was completing a physical when he realized he was actually signing employment forms, signifying his official entry into the NFL. Paul expressed immense gratitude and disbelief at this milestone, feeling validated in his talents and hard work.
Paul’s faith has been a cornerstone of his journey. He consistently gives praise and glory to God, attributing his successes to divine guidance and support. His goals in the NFL are to make a name for himself, contribute to his team, and help achieve collective goals like making it to the Super Bowl. Paul’s advice to aspiring athletes and dreamers is to fully commit to their goals and trust in God’s plan. Despite not being the biggest player out of high school, he worked tirelessly to improve and eventually achieved his dream. He believes that dedication, hard work, and faith are essential to overcoming obstacles and reaching one’s aspirations.
Paul Moala aims to leave a legacy that extends beyond football. He wants to be remembered as someone who represented his people with pride, cared deeply for others, and served as a role model for future generations. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the support of loved ones in achieving greatness.
