Nico Iamaleava: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Nico Iamaleava is a rising star in American football, known for his incredible talent as a quarterback. He currently plays for the University of Tennessee Volunteers and has quickly gained national recognition for his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership on the field.Born on September 2, 2004, in Long Beach, California, Nico is considered one of the top young quarterbacks in the country. His impressive high school career, combined with his strong Samoan heritage and family background, has made him a highly talked-about player in the sports world. Additionally, his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have contributed significantly to his net worth, making him one of the highest-earning college athletes in 2024.
- Age: 20 Years
- Date of Birth: September 2, 2004
- Birth Place: Long Beach, California
- Weight: 215 pounds (98 kilograms)
- Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall
- Net Worth: $1.9 million
Early Life and Background
Family and Upbringing
Nico Iamaleava comes from a large and athletic Samoan-American family. He is one of eight siblings, and his family has a strong sports background. His father, Nicholaus Iamaleava Sr., is a well-respected assistant coach at Warren High School in Downey, California. His mother, Marleinna Iamaleava, is a strong influence in his life, known for her resilience in battling breast cancer in 2020.The Iamaleava family is deeply rooted in sports, particularly football and volleyball. Nico’s older brother, Matt Iamaleava, played collegiate volleyball at Long Beach State, while his younger brother, Madden Iamaleava, is also a talented quarterback who committed to UCLA in 2024. His sister, Nicaylah, has pursued a volleyball career at Cypress College.The family’s Samoan heritage plays a huge role in Nico’s personal and athletic development. The Samoan culture emphasizes discipline, faith, family values, and hard work, all of which are evident in Nico’s approach to both football and life.
High School Career
Nico attended Warren High School in Downey, California, where he quickly became a standout quarterback. He was a dual-sport athlete, excelling in both football and volleyball. His athleticism and leadership on the field helped him gain national recognition.
Notable High School Achievements:
- Named Polynesian Football Player of the Year (2022)
- Over 2,244 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in the 2021 season
- Ranked as a five-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the nation
- Led Warren High School to multiple victories with his exceptional passing and running abilities
Beyond his athletic success, Nico faced significant personal challenges during his high school years. In 2020, his mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, which deeply affected him and his family. This difficult period reinforced his gratitude for life and the importance of family support. The Long Beach community rallied around the Iamaleavas, helping them through this challenging time.Despite these hardships, Nico remained dedicated to his training, education, and faith, making him a well-rounded and mentally tough athlete.
College Career at the University of Tennessee
Nico committed to the University of Tennessee in March 2022, becoming one of the highest-rated recruits in the school’s history. His decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers was based on the university’s strong football program and the coaching staff’s commitment to developing quarterbacks.He enrolled at Tennessee in December 2022, and his impact was immediately felt.
Freshman Year Highlights (2023-2024 Season):
- Debut game: Played against the University of Virginia, completing 2 of 3 passes in a 49-13 victory.
- Became MVP of the 2024 Citrus Bowl, showing his ability to perform under pressure.
- Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, proving his dedication to both academics and athletics.
Nico’s physical attributes, standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 220 pounds, make him a formidable quarterback. His strong arm, accuracy, and ability to extend plays with his mobility have drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber quarterbacks.With his leadership and work ethic, Nico is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football in the coming years, possibly making a move to the NFL Draft in the future.
The Nico8 Foundation – Giving Back to the Community
In 2023, Nico and his mother, Marleinna Iamaleava, launched the Nico8 Foundation. This non-profit organization focuses on:
- Breast cancer awareness and research (inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer).
- Helping families with special needs children.
- Providing opportunities for underserved youth.
- Supporting various charitable initiatives in his community.
Nico has often spoken about his desire to use his platform for good, and the foundation reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond football.
Net Worth, NIL Deals, and Financial Growth
With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, college athletes like Nico Iamaleava have the opportunity to earn significant amounts of money while playing at the collegiate level.
Estimated Net Worth (2024):
💰 $1.9 million
Sources of Income:
- NIL Contracts – Nico is among the highest-paid college athletes in the NIL era.
- Endorsements – Deals with sports brands, apparel companies, and local businesses.
- Sponsorships – Partnering with brands for advertisements and promotional campaigns.
- Merchandising – Sales of jerseys and personal brand-related merchandise.
His NIL valuation skyrocketed due to his status as a five-star quarterback, and many expect his net worth to continue growing if he declares for the NFL Draft in the coming years.
Personal Life and Cultural Influence
Nico’s Samoan background has had a profound impact on his life and career. He often credits his success to the values instilled in him by his family and culture:
- Faith and Spirituality – He is deeply religious and relies on his faith for strength.
- Hard Work and Discipline – Samoan culture emphasizes dedication and perseverance.
- Community and Brotherhood – He remains close to his family and teammates, valuing relationships above all.
These qualities have made Nico not only a great athlete but also a respected leader both on and off the field.
Future Prospects: Will Nico Iamaleava Go to the NFL?
Given his rapid development and outstanding performances, many experts predict that Nico will eventually declare for the NFL Draft in the coming years.
Reasons Why He Could Become a Top NFL Prospect:
✅ Elite Size and Strength – At 6’6” and 220 lbs, he has the ideal build for an NFL quarterback.
✅ Strong Arm and Accuracy – He can make deep throws with precision.
✅ Athleticism – His ability to scramble and extend plays makes him a modern dual-threat QB.
✅ Leadership and Maturity – He has already demonstrated composure under pressure.
If he continues on this trajectory, NFL teams will undoubtedly show strong interest in drafting him.
Conclusion
Nico Iamaleava is more than just a talented quarterback—he is a role model, a leader, and a rising star in college football. His family’s influence, cultural background, and personal resilience have shaped him into the player and person he is today.With a growing net worth of $1.9 million, a commitment to philanthropy, and a promising college football career, Nico is well on his way to making an even bigger name for himself in the football world.As the 2024 season unfolds, fans eagerly await his performances, and football analysts continue to speculate about his future in the NFL. Whether on the field or in his community efforts, Nico Iamaleava is a name to watch in the coming years.
