The pursuit of excellence runs deep in Tennessee State defensive linebacker Epoki Fakaosi's bloodline. Born in San Jose, California, he grew up surrounded by Olympic stories, world championship medals, and a household that valued humility, respect, and relentless effort.

His mother, Sandra Bacher, is a 14-time U.S. national champion in judo, a three-time Olympian, and a former world champion wrestler. His father, Epoki Sr., a Tongan judo gold medalist, carried the Olympic torch through Tonga for the Sydney 2000 Games.

Many would find that kind of legacy overwhelming—Fakaosi finds it motivating.

"She always taught me to be humble," he said of his mother. "Never be the showboat type. Just be professional. Every time I practice, I try to thank the coaches and do my best—that's how she raised us."

Now a junior transfer making his mark at Tennessee State, Fakaosi is channeling those lessons into his own athletic journey. Through five games this season, he has recorded seven tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick—all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA as a kinesiology major. His performance reflects the same balance of drive and humility that defined his parents' careers on the international stage.

The Fakaosi household reflected its diverse, high-achieving roots. Training and competition were part of everyday life. Bacher's résumé reads like a chronicle of perseverance: competing in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games, earning a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, and capturing gold at the 1999 World Wrestling Championships. His father represented Tonga internationally in judo, winning gold at the 2007 South Pacific Games and bronze at both the 2007 Oceania Open World Cup and the 2008 Oceania Championships.

"My mom got me into judo and wrestling," Fakaosi said. "She helped me a lot when I was starting football, too. She's been everywhere competing and knows everyone. Growing up around that kind of discipline taught me a lot about respect and work ethic."

Even his sister, Eleni, carried the family torch, competing in collegiate wrestling at Simon Fraser University in Canada before transitioning into coaching in California.

Despite his family's deep roots in martial arts, Fakaosi's own path took a different turn. "My first time playing was sixth grade," he recalled. "We didn't win a game all season, but I got some time at quarterback and scored our first two touchdowns. After that, I just kept playing every year." In high school, he was the definition of versatility—lining up at quarterback, running back, linebacker, fullback, and defensive line. An injury slowed his college recruitment, sending him down the junior college route before he earned his opportunity at TSU.

"It wasn't easy," he said. "You've got to prove yourself at every level. But that's what my parents always taught me—no matter what, you keep working."

Fakaosi's heritage—Tongan from his father and Japanese and German from his mother—has shaped his perspective on life and leadership. "Honestly, it was really just me, my mom, my sister, and my little brother growing up," he said. "My dad wasn't around a lot, but he did teach me about protecting your family and always being there for your siblings." That lesson remains central to his identity. "One of the patterns on my tattoo means protecting family," he said. "That's what I try to live by—always looking out for them, helping however I can."

At home, his mother made sure the family stayed connected through food and culture. "My mom's Japanese and German, so we ate a lot of Asian food—a lot of rice," he said with a smile. "She always made sure we ate together, even when things got busy." Though the Fakaosis family lived far from extended relatives, their closeness never wavered. "We don't live around a whole bunch of our family," he said. "But for me, it's always family first. I'll put them before myself if I have to."

When it comes to his Tongan roots, Fakaosi understands he's representing more than just himself. Only 16 players born in Tonga have ever reached the NFL, and just 21 players with Tongan heritage suited up in 2024. Among them, Giovanni Manu currently plays for the Detroit Lions.

In the sports world, Tonga and other Polynesian nations are often compared to their uce in Samoa—both countries rich in Olympic martial arts tradition but more widely recognized through football and entertainment. Names like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Roman Reigns (Joseph Anoai), and Haku (Tonga Fifita) have brought Polynesian pride to the global stage, blending strength, culture, and charisma.

"I didn't really know too many athletes from my Tongan side," Fakaosi said. "The only one I remember my dad telling me about was George Holani, who played at Boise State and is now with the Seattle Seahawks. But it just makes me want to represent more."

Whether on the practice field or in the classroom, Fakaosi carries the mindset of an athlete raised in a championship family. He plans to stay involved in sports long after his playing days. "I'm studying kinesiology," he said. "I'd love to keep playing football or maybe get into wrestling or rugby again. But if not, I want to coach or be a personal trainer and start my own gym."

When he's not studying or training, Fakaosi enjoys drawing, painting, spending time with his girlfriend (Athena Barajas) and playing Call of Duty on his PlayStation. His art often reflects his Polynesian heritage. "I've always liked drawing," he said. "A lot of my art is pattern work—kind of like the Tongan tattoos."

From the judo mats of San Jose to the football fields of Nashville, the lessons instilled by his parents remain his foundation. His mother's humility and work ethic continue to guide him. "Even now, she'll say, 'I didn't do much in my time,'" he said. "I'm like, 'Mom, you're an Olympian and a world champion!' But that's who she is. She's humble. She just taught us to always be thankful and respectful."

At Tennessee State, those same values have earned Fakaosi the respect of coaches and teammates alike. His story isn't defined by medals or trophies, but by persistence, gratitude, and family.

"Family is everything," he said. "No matter where life takes me, that's always first."