2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sefa Saipaia Jr, LB, Western Michigan University

• Name: Sefa Saipaia Jr.
• Position: LB
• College: Western Michigan University
• Height: 5′ 11″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• X: @sefa3saip
• Instagram: @sefa3saip

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My father at first at a young age, then I fell in love of the game for myself. Christ gave me gifts in sports and I plan on using them to glorify him. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

The time I spent with my team, building a culture that we could be proud of to achieve the goals we set for ourselves that year. 

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

To play in the NFL and prove to myself and those who believed in me that they were right. To play on the biggest stage and play with the best has been my dream.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Junior Seau. He was a really impactful player to me not only as a football player but also a person. We not only played the same position, but we are both Samoan. I looked up to him growing up and would love to pick his brain about his journey and what made him who he was in that day and time. 

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My Uncle Claude is a huge inspiration and role model to me. What I am going through and what I want to achieve in life, he has done. He played in the league. He is a Godly man, great husband, great father and overall amazing human being. 

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite scheme is a 4-2-5. This scheme fits me as player. It allows me to be a blunt frontside player while also being able to be flexed out and affect the pass.

What should we know about Sefa Saipaia Jr the person?

I pride myself on how hard I work and my perseverance. Coming from a D2 to D1 working every day to prove myself with a chip on my shoulder. I am also very family oriented. Christ and family are the things that root me into who I am. Very Intentional with my action and preparation.

What stands out about your film the most?

My effort and ability to command and be a leader on the field. I watch a lot of film so I was always where I needed to be to make plays.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I let God lead and I control what I can control. I work hard always to be prepared. Being prepared for the opportunity when it comes helps a lot as well.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A tenacious player that is going to be where he needs to be at all times that executes. As well as a leader that leads others to be on the same page. 

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love just hitting people. Making a game where it’s legal to just obliterate someone? Sign me up. I also love how football gives a platform to help and impact others. It’s a cycle of men helping each other grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. 

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Trinidad Chambliss. I played with him at Ferris state and I got see his trials and tribulations behind the scenes. He didn’t have any D1 offers and ended up at Ferris. He was behind 3 quarterbacks when he got there.  My last year with him, he wasn’t the outright starter until one game. The other quarterback got hurt and he took over and never looked back. I witnessed him grow into the player that he is now and how much it took for him to get to where he’s at.