Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Isaiah Pola-Mao is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 30, 1999, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pola-Mao comes from a family with a strong football tradition, including relatives who have played at the collegiate and professional levels.
Beyond his NFL career, Pola-Mao is a husband, father, son, and brother. He is married to Janina Pola-Mao, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Easton Anthony, in October 2024. His parents are Tracey Mao and Carrie Pola, while his younger brother, Matthew Pola-Mao, also pursued a college football career.
Isaiah is also related to Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers safety who became one of the most recognizable defensive players in NFL history.
Here is everything publicly known about Isaiah Pola-Mao’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and extended family.
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Wife: Who Is Janina Pola-Mao?
Isaiah Pola-Mao is married to Janina Pola-Mao, his longtime romantic partner and the mother of his son.
According to Sports Illustrated, Janina was previously a majorette at the University of Southern California (USC), the same university where Isaiah played college football.
The couple married in May 2023, beginning a new chapter in their relationship while Isaiah was establishing himself as a professional football player with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Janina has been an important source of support throughout her husband’s NFL career, particularly as the couple has adjusted to the responsibilities of raising a young child.
In September 2025, Isaiah discussed his marriage and fatherhood during an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
He praised Janina for her dedication to their son and acknowledged the significant responsibilities she handles while he is occupied with football practices, games, and other professional commitments.
Isaiah described his wife as a strong woman who plays an essential role in their family’s daily life.
When Did Isaiah Pola-Mao and Janina Get Married?
Isaiah Pola-Mao and Janina married in May 2023, according to a September 2025 Sports Illustrated feature about the partners of Las Vegas Raiders players.
Their marriage took place approximately one year after Isaiah joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Although the couple’s marriage is publicly documented, relatively little verified information is available about their wedding ceremony, including its exact location and guest list.
Janina Pola-Mao’s Background
Janina Pola-Mao attended the University of Southern California, where she participated as a majorette.
Her connection to USC is particularly notable because Isaiah played football for the Trojans from 2017 through 2021.
While her university background has been documented by Sports Illustrated, detailed information about Janina’s age, birthplace, and current occupation has not been widely established through reliable public reporting.
She has also maintained a relatively private personal life despite her husband’s growing prominence in the NFL.
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Children: Meet His Son Easton Anthony
Isaiah Pola-Mao is the father of a son named Easton Anthony, whom he welcomed with his wife, Janina, in October 2024.
The child’s birth was confirmed in an interview published by the Las Vegas Review-Journal on September 19, 2025.
During the interview, Pola-Mao discussed how becoming a father had changed his daily routine, priorities, and perspective on professional football.
Easton Anthony – Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Son
Easton Anthony is the son of Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and his wife, Janina.
He was born in October 2024, marking the couple’s first experience with parenthood.
In his September 2025 interview, Isaiah described the emotional rewards of raising his son and explained that fatherhood had changed how he spent his free time.
Before becoming a father, he could return home from football activities and spend time relaxing. After Easton’s birth, his priorities shifted toward being present for his family.
Isaiah acknowledged that balancing the demanding schedule of an NFL player with fatherhood required sacrifices, but he considered those responsibilities worthwhile.
He also explained that Janina regularly sends him videos of their son’s developmental milestones when he is away for football commitments.
These updates allow him to remain connected to important moments in Easton’s childhood despite his busy schedule.
When asked whether he wanted his son to follow him into football, Isaiah explained that he did not want Easton to feel pressured to become an athlete.
Instead, he hoped his son would grow up with opportunities to explore different interests and choose his own path.
He also suggested that if Easton eventually became interested in football, flag football would be a safer introduction to the sport during childhood.
How Fatherhood Changed Isaiah Pola-Mao
Becoming a father significantly changed Isaiah Pola-Mao’s perspective on both his professional and personal life.
During his conversation with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he explained that returning home to his wife and son helped him process the emotional challenges of playing professional football.
Before Easton’s birth, a disappointing game or team defeat could affect his mood long after he left the stadium.
Fatherhood gave him a broader perspective, reminding him that his family and personal responsibilities extended beyond the results of football games.
He described raising his son as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Parents: Meet Tracey Mao and Carrie Pola
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s parents are Tracey Mao and Carrie Pola.
Their names are documented in the official Kansas State University football biography of Isaiah’s younger brother, Matthew Pola-Mao.
Both parents come from a family with strong connections to football, particularly through Tracey’s playing career and Carrie’s relationship to the Polamalu family.
Who Is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Father, Tracey Mao?
Tracey Mao is the father of NFL safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and former college defensive lineman Matthew Pola-Mao.
Tracey is a former American football player who competed at San Diego State University before continuing his career in the Arena Football League.
According to the University of Southern California’s official football biography, Tracey played at San Diego State during the 1988-1990 and 1992 seasons.
He served as team captain in 1992 and received the program’s Most Inspirational Player award that same year.
After his college football career, Tracey played professionally with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League between 1994 and 1996.
His experience competing at the collegiate and professional levels provided a strong sporting background for his sons.
Isaiah eventually became an NFL safety, while Matthew followed a similar path by becoming a college defensive lineman.
Their accomplishments demonstrate the family’s longstanding connection to American football.
Who Is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Mother, Carrie Pola?
Carrie Pola is the mother of Isaiah Pola-Mao and his younger brother, Matthew.
Her name is confirmed in Matthew’s official Kansas State University Athletics biography, which identifies his parents as Tracey Mao and Carrie Pola.
Carrie also has an important family connection to former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.
According to a July 2020 interview published by TrojanSports, Isaiah’s mother is a cousin of Troy Polamalu.
This relationship explains why Isaiah has frequently been described as Polamalu’s nephew in football biographies.
Although Carrie is connected to a prominent football family, detailed information about her professional career, education, and other personal matters has not been widely published.
How Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Parents Influenced His Career
Isaiah Pola-Mao has publicly acknowledged the important role his parents played in his development as a young athlete.
In a personal essay published by ArizonaVarsity during his high school recruitment, he discussed how his parents helped him remain humble while receiving attention from college football programs.
As scholarship offers and recruiting letters began arriving, Isaiah admitted that the recognition occasionally affected his perspective.
His parents reminded him that receiving opportunities did not make him more important than other athletes and encouraged him to continue working hard.
He credited their guidance with helping him remain focused and understand the importance of humility.
Isaiah also expressed appreciation for their consistent support during difficult moments, describing his parents as people he could depend on for encouragement and direction.
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Siblings: Meet His Brother Matthew Pola-Mao
Isaiah Pola-Mao has a younger brother named Matthew Pola-Mao, who also played college football.
Matthew’s relationship to Isaiah is confirmed in the official football biographies published by the University of Southern California and Kansas State University.
Both brothers grew up in Arizona and developed strong interests in football during childhood.
Who Is Matthew Pola-Mao?
Matthew Pola-Mao is the younger brother of Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao.
Born on September 9, 2000, Matthew followed a football career of his own, playing defensive line rather than safety.
He attended Chandler High School in Arizona, where he developed into a highly regarded defensive tackle.
According to Kansas State University Athletics, Matthew recorded 141 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks during his high school career.
He also helped Chandler win a state championship in 2018.
Following his high school graduation, Matthew joined Kansas State University in 2019, where he redshirted during his freshman season.
He later transferred to Arizona State University, continuing his college football career.
Like Isaiah, Matthew was influenced by the athletic achievements of their father and extended family.
Isaiah and Matthew Pola-Mao’s Relationship
Isaiah and Matthew developed a close bond through their shared interest in football.
In a personal essay published during his high school recruitment, Isaiah recalled the excitement of having an opportunity to play football alongside his younger brother.
He explained that sharing the field with Matthew had been a longtime personal ambition.
That opportunity came during Isaiah’s junior year of high school, when the brothers played together.
Although they eventually attended different universities, both continued pursuing football at the collegiate level.
Their individual achievements further strengthened the Pola-Mao family’s sporting tradition.
Does Isaiah Pola-Mao Have Any Sisters?
There is no verified public information confirming that Isaiah Pola-Mao has a sister.
His official university biographies identify Matthew as his brother but do not name any sisters.
Therefore, Matthew is the only sibling clearly documented in the reliable public sources reviewed.
Is Isaiah Pola-Mao Related to Troy Polamalu?
Yes. Isaiah Pola-Mao is related to former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
Although official football biographies commonly describe Troy as Isaiah’s uncle, their precise family connection is through Isaiah’s mother, who is Troy’s cousin.
In a July 2020 interview with TrojanSports, Isaiah explained that he referred to Troy as his uncle as a sign of respect.
The relationship has attracted considerable attention because both players attended USC and developed careers as defensive backs.
Troy Polamalu’s Influence on Isaiah Pola-Mao
Troy Polamalu played college football at USC from 1999 through 2002 before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2003 NFL Draft.
During his 12-season NFL career, he won two Super Bowls, earned eight Pro Bowl selections, and became one of the league’s most respected defensive players.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020.
Isaiah grew up watching Polamalu’s performances and later had opportunities to learn directly from him.
During the 2020 offseason, Isaiah participated in individual training sessions with Troy while preparing for another season at USC.
The sessions provided an opportunity to learn from someone with extensive experience playing safety at the highest level of professional football.
Isaiah’s relationship with Polamalu represents one of the most notable connections in his extended family.
Who Is Kennedy Polamalu?
Kennedy Polamalu is another member of Isaiah Pola-Mao’s extended football family.
He is identified as Isaiah’s great-uncle in the University of Southern California’s official football biography.
Kennedy played fullback at USC from 1982 through 1985 before pursuing a coaching career.
His coaching experience has included positions at the collegiate and professional levels, including work with USC and several NFL organizations.
His career represents another example of the family’s long association with American football.
Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Early Life and Family Background
Isaiah Pola-Mao was born on June 30, 1999, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Growing up in a family with strong football connections, he developed an interest in sports at an early age.
He attended Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, where he established himself as a talented athlete in multiple sports.
In addition to football, Isaiah participated in basketball and track and field.
During his high school football career, he played both safety and wide receiver, demonstrating his versatility on offense and defense.
As a senior, he recorded 100 tackles and 10 interceptions while also contributing 646 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on offense.
His performances earned national recognition and attracted interest from major college football programs.
Isaiah eventually committed to the University of Southern California, where he played for the Trojans from 2017 through 2021.
He became an important member of the USC defense, developing his skills as a safety while overcoming injuries during his college career.
Despite going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2022.
His professional career gradually developed as he earned additional opportunities on defense.
During the 2024 NFL season, he became a regular starter and recorded 89 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
His performances helped him secure a two-year contract extension with the Raiders in February 2025.
Throughout his football journey, family has remained an important part of his identity, from his parents’ guidance during high school to his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah Pola-Mao’s Family
Who is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s girlfriend?
Isaiah Pola-Mao is married to Janina Pola-Mao. The couple married in May 2023, according to Sports Illustrated.
Who is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s wife?
His wife is Janina Pola-Mao, a former University of Southern California majorette and the mother of his son.
When did Isaiah Pola-Mao get married?
Isaiah Pola-Mao married Janina in May 2023.
Does Isaiah Pola-Mao have children?
Yes. Isaiah Pola-Mao has a son named Easton Anthony, who was born in October 2024.
Who are Isaiah Pola-Mao’s parents?
His parents are Tracey Mao and Carrie Pola. His father played college football at San Diego State and professionally for the Arizona Rattlers.
Who is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s brother?
His younger brother is Matthew Pola-Mao, a former college defensive lineman who played at Kansas State and Arizona State.
Does Isaiah Pola-Mao have a sister?
There is no verified public information identifying a sister. His younger brother Matthew is his only publicly confirmed sibling in the official biographies reviewed.
Is Isaiah Pola-Mao Troy Polamalu’s nephew?
Isaiah is related to Troy Polamalu through his mother, Carrie Pola, who is Troy’s cousin. Although Troy is commonly described as Isaiah’s uncle, Isaiah has explained that he uses the term as a sign of respect.
Who is Isaiah Pola-Mao’s famous uncle?
His famous relative is Troy Polamalu, the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer. He is also related to former USC player and football coach Kennedy Polamalu.
Where is Isaiah Pola-Mao from?
Isaiah Pola-Mao is from Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Mountain Pointe High School before joining the USC football program.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
