Senior DE Ricky Ali’ifua talks balancing football and family

©Justin Manning

Utah State @ Arkansas State September 20, 2014 at Liberty Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

For Utah State defensive end Ricky Ali’ifua, finding a balance between family and football isn’t very difficult, because his family has everything to do with his life in football.

Demytrick Ali’ifua, his younger brother, is a freshman offensive lineman at Utah State and his wife, Tumua Etimani is a former USU volleyball player.

Ali’ifua explained that his younger brother’s decision to attend Utah State was not largely influenced by him already playing there, but that he is grateful to have him there now.

“It’s cool to be able to show him what it’s like to be on the team, not only verbally but in how I work hard and how I lead the team,” Ali’ifua said. “I want to set a good example for all of my siblings.”

Speaking of being married to a fellow Aggie athlete, he explained that it makes it easier that she understands how much time and effort is required to excel in sports. “It’s still hard, with football and school” he said, “but I definitely married up.”

His 18-month-old son, Tavai, is also a potential part of USU athletics in the future.

“He’s not eating much right now, so I don’t know if he’ll be a lineman like me, but maybe a wide receiver. If that’s the case then I can’t coach him though, so I’ll get some food in him,” said Ali’ifua. “Give him 17 years or so and you’ll see him out there with the Aggies.”

“My family is everything to me,” Ali’ifua said.

And to Utah State fans, the Ali’ifua family is also everywhere.