Keaʻau High School graduate Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Aumavae-Laulu, Aumavae-Laulu, who started his college career at Navarro College before transferring to the University of Oregon where he played as an offensive tackle, was the NFL’s 199th draft pick and the Raven’s final pick.

He began playing football at age 9 and was mentored by his uncle, former NFL nose tackle Junior Aumavae, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.

After learning of his draft, Malaesala told his mother Helen, “Mom, let’s all jump in the pool Big Island style.”

According to his mother, Malaesala’s life-long dream was to play in the NFL and his goal is to put the Big Island on the map when it comes to football.

Photo credit: Helen Aumavae-Laulu