Siale Taupaki uses NIL income to support family

Penn State defensive tackle Siale Taupaki is using his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) income to support his family. Now in his eighth season of college football, the 25-year-old transferred to Penn State after spending seven seasons at UCLA.

Taupaki, whose parents emigrated from Tonga to the United States, has faced significant hardship, including spending four years unhoused in Oakland, California. He shared that his family has experienced evictions and periods of living in hotels and a church. Taupaki stated that while other athletes may use NIL funds for luxury items, he is focused on providing for his parents, who continue to struggle financially.

Taupaki noted that his decision to transfer to Penn State was influenced by coach Matt Campbell’s expressed interest in his family’s well-being. Because his parents are unable to travel to see him play, Taupaki relies on internet services to keep them connected to his games.