Chee hoos erupted when Francis Sisi Mauigoa got the call from the New York Giants Thursday night.
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The former JPS and Tafuna Warriors standout, now playing for the University of Miami, was the Giants No 10 pick in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.
Mauigoa is one of seven children of Fa’alialia and Telesia Mauigoa. His older brother Francisco Kiko Mauigoa played linebacker at Miami and was drafted by the New York Jets in 2025. Another brother Frederick was a three year starting Center at Washington State.
The family relocated from American Samoa via Hawaii to South Florida to stay close to the two brothers while they played at Miami.
As a sophomore at Tafuna High School he helped the team go undefeated and win a championship while primarily lining up on the defensive line. In addition to football, he played club volleyball in high school and earned second team all conference honors.
On Thursday night Francis wore an ulafala and a jacket by Exclusive by Off Da Rock. The back of his jacket showed a flag of American Samoa, the Paepaeulupoo fautasi, coconut trees, ava bowl and whisk. He was proud to show off his culture.
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His mother Telesia told EspnW about the cultural upbringing that has contributed to Francis’ success.
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Among family members and guests who attended Francis’ draft party was Lydia Faleafine-Nomura, founder and vice president of JPS American Samoa.
“I was honored and most grateful to have been invited by Francis Mauigoa to the NFL draft,” she said. “The experience was completely surreal. He and his family deserve this for all the hard work and sacrifices they made over the year. This could not have happened to a better family”.
Faleafine-Nomura said Francis was a product of JPS and the JPS Paradise Classic. “We knew then how special he and his brother Francisco who plays for the New York Jets were”.
She believes the exposure Francis received while he played for JPS was a stepping stone to where he is today. “This is why JPS encourages our student athletes, no matter the sport to get exposed and to obtain an education through athletics,” said Faleafine-Nomura.
She added, “The Department of Education and the American Smaoa Government need to see the value in sports and invest in our student athletes.”
Another Samoan player, Spencer Fano, was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 9th pick in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft. Spencer, the son of Bingham and Lori Fano, was so overcome with emotion when he got the call that he broke down in tears.
Photos: Lydia Faleafine-Nomura
