Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
DJ Uiagalelei is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. Born David John Uiagalelei on April 17, 2001, in California, he gained national recognition as a highly rated college football quarterback before beginning his professional career. Beyond football, fans are interested in his personal life, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.
Uiagalelei comes from a close-knit family with strong Samoan roots. His parents, David “Big Dave” Uiagalelei and Tausha Uiagalelei, have supported his football ambitions throughout his life. His younger brother, Matayo Uiagalelei, has also established himself as a talented football player. In July 2025, DJ married his longtime girlfriend, former Clemson University volleyball player Ava Pritchard.
DJ Uiagalelei’s Wife and Relationship
Ava Pritchard – DJ Uiagalelei’s Wife
As of now, DJ Uiagalelei is married to Ava Pritchard, a former college volleyball player who represented Clemson University. The couple married in July 2025 during a wedding ceremony in New York City.
According to TigerNet, a Clemson sports news outlet, Uiagalelei and Pritchard celebrated their marriage surrounded by family and loved ones. DJ’s father, Big Dave Uiagalelei, publicly congratulated the newlyweds and shared footage from their wedding celebration.
The couple met during their time at Clemson University, where Uiagalelei played quarterback for the Tigers and Pritchard was a member of the women’s volleyball team.
Their relationship developed during their college years, and they occasionally shared photographs together on social media. Before getting married, the couple became engaged during a romantic trip to Hawaii.
Ava Pritchard was born on May 2, 2000, and grew up in Texas. She attended Dripping Springs High School before joining Clemson University’s volleyball program in 2018.
During her college volleyball career, Pritchard played as a middle blocker and served as Clemson’s team captain in 2021. She appeared in 26 matches that season, recording 130 kills and 83 blocks. She also graduated from Clemson with a degree in marketing in May 2021.
Although DJ has experienced several transitions throughout his football career, including moves between college programs and his eventual entry into the NFL, his relationship with Ava has remained an important part of his personal life.
DJ Uiagalelei’s Children
As of now, DJ Uiagalelei has no publicly confirmed children. Neither the quarterback nor his wife, Ava Pritchard, has made a verified public announcement about having a son or daughter.
While the couple married in July 2025, there is no reliable public information establishing that they have welcomed children together.
Uiagalelei generally shares limited information about his family plans, and details concerning any potential future children remain private.
DJ Uiagalelei’s Parents
DJ Uiagalelei was born to David Uiagalelei and Tausha Uiagalelei. His parents raised him and his younger brother in Southern California, where both boys developed an early passion for football.
The Uiagalelei family has strong connections to Samoan heritage, athletics and Christian faith. Both parents played significant roles in helping DJ develop the discipline and determination required to become a professional athlete.
David “Big Dave” Uiagalelei – DJ Uiagalelei’s Father
David Uiagalelei, widely known as “Big Dave,” is DJ Uiagalelei’s father. He is a former football player and celebrity bodyguard who has become well known for supporting his sons’ athletic careers.
Big Dave comes from a family with Samoan roots. His parents moved from the Samoan Islands to Hawaii before relocating to the mainland United States.
During his younger years, Dave played football at Mt. San Antonio College in California, where he helped the team win a junior college national championship in 1997.
After his playing career, he worked in the entertainment industry’s security business. His clients included prominent musicians and entertainers such as Rihanna, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled and Nick Cannon.
However, Dave eventually stepped away from his demanding celebrity security career to spend more time with his family.
He became deeply involved in DJ’s football development, attending practices, supporting his college recruitment and encouraging him to maintain a strong work ethic.
Big Dave also supported his younger son, Matayo, throughout his football career. His enthusiasm has frequently attracted attention during college football broadcasts, where he has been seen celebrating his sons’ performances.
Despite being an outspoken supporter, Dave has emphasized the importance of discipline, education and personal responsibility.
Tausha Uiagalelei – DJ Uiagalelei’s Mother
Tausha Uiagalelei is DJ Uiagalelei’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life. She raised DJ and Matayo alongside her husband, Dave, while helping both sons pursue their athletic interests.
Unlike her husband, who has frequently appeared in interviews and sports media, Tausha generally maintains a quieter public profile.
She has nevertheless spoken publicly about her son’s upbringing, religious beliefs and football experiences.
According to reporting by Sports Illustrated, Tausha also worked as a gestational surrogate, carrying six babies for other families. DJ has publicly expressed admiration for his mother’s generosity and the sacrifices she made throughout his childhood.
Faith has been another important part of Tausha’s influence. She raised her sons in a Christian household and encouraged them to remain connected to their religious beliefs.
In a 2022 interview with The State, Tausha described supporting DJ during a difficult period of his college football career at Clemson. She explained how their family relied on faith and emotional support during challenging moments.
Tausha has continued to support both sons as their athletic careers have progressed.
DJ Uiagalelei’s Siblings
DJ Uiagalelei has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger brother Matayo Uiagalelei. The brothers grew up together in Southern California and developed a close relationship through their shared love of football.
Matayo Uiagalelei – DJ Uiagalelei’s Younger Brother
Matayo Uiagalelei is DJ Uiagalelei’s younger brother and an American football defensive end for the University of Oregon.
Born on July 2, 2005, Matayo followed his older brother into competitive football and attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California.
During high school, Matayo developed into one of the country’s most highly regarded defensive prospects. He played both defensive end and tight end before deciding to pursue college football at Oregon.
Matayo joined the Oregon Ducks in 2023 and quickly established himself as a promising defensive player.
His performances earned him recognition within college football, including first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
The brothers shared a memorable experience during the 2023 college football season when DJ played quarterback for Oregon State and Matayo represented Oregon.
Their teams faced each other in the annual rivalry game, giving their father, Big Dave, the unusual opportunity to watch his two sons compete on opposite sides of the field.
Despite attending rival universities, DJ and Matayo have maintained a strong relationship.
Matayo has described learning from his older brother’s experiences, particularly when navigating recruiting decisions and the pressures associated with major college football programs.
Both brothers have spoken positively about their family’s influence and the support they received throughout their athletic development.
DJ Uiagalelei’s Family Background and Samoan Heritage
DJ Uiagalelei grew up in Southern California in a family strongly influenced by Samoan culture and American football.
His paternal grandparents moved from the Samoan Islands to Hawaii before settling on the mainland United States. Their experiences helped establish the family’s connections to Polynesian traditions and community values.
The family’s athletic background also played a significant role in shaping DJ’s childhood. His father and several uncles played football, exposing him to the sport from an early age.
DJ attended St. John Bosco High School, where he became one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits. He later played college football for Clemson, Oregon State and Florida State.
Following his college career, Uiagalelei signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in May 2025. The Chargers promoted him to their active roster in September 2026.
Throughout his career, the quarterback has acknowledged the importance of his family, particularly his parents’ sacrifices and his relationship with his younger brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Uiagalelei’s Family
Who is DJ Uiagalelei’s girlfriend?
DJ Uiagalelei’s longtime girlfriend was Ava Pritchard, a former Clemson University volleyball player. The couple married in July 2025, meaning Pritchard is now his wife.
Who is DJ Uiagalelei’s wife?
DJ Uiagalelei’s wife is Ava Pritchard. They met while attending Clemson University and married during a ceremony in New York City in July 2025.
Does DJ Uiagalelei have children?
As of now, DJ Uiagalelei has no publicly confirmed children.
Who are DJ Uiagalelei’s parents?
DJ Uiagalelei’s parents are David “Big Dave” Uiagalelei and Tausha Uiagalelei. His father is a former football player and celebrity bodyguard, while his mother played an important role in raising and supporting the family’s two sons.
How many siblings does DJ Uiagalelei have?
DJ Uiagalelei has one sibling, his younger brother Matayo Uiagalelei.
Who is DJ Uiagalelei’s brother?
DJ Uiagalelei’s brother is Matayo Uiagalelei, a college football defensive end who plays for the Oregon Ducks.
What nationality are DJ Uiagalelei’s parents?
DJ Uiagalelei’s family has Samoan heritage. His father, David Uiagalelei, is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from the Samoan Islands.
Where is DJ Uiagalelei’s family from?
DJ Uiagalelei grew up in Southern California. His family has strong Samoan roots, particularly through his father’s side.
Is DJ Uiagalelei related to Matayo Uiagalelei?
Yes. Matayo Uiagalelei is DJ Uiagalelei’s younger biological brother. Both played football at St. John Bosco High School before pursuing college careers.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
