Paisios Polamalu, son of NFL Hall of Famer, forges own football path
SAN DIEGO (KUSI/FOX 5) -- A familiar name in the football world has been turning heads across San Diego this fall.
Paisios Polamalu, son of Pittsburgh Steelers two-time Super Bowl champion Troy Polamalu (2006 and 2009), has put together a sensational junior season for the St. Augustine Saints, accumulating a team high 2,095 all-purpose yards, 22 total touchdowns and forcing eight turnovers (six interceptions, two forced fumbles).
A proven threat in all three phases, Paisios leads his team in tackles per game (8.8), rushing yards (1,412) and kick return yards (283).
“I love defense. In my family, you know, there's nothing better than getting a really big interception or a really big hit,” Paisios said.
The Saints’ starting running back, safety and kick returner is related to several NFL-level defenders.
“My dad, of course, [I’m] trying to model my game after him. And I just take some knowledge from him,” Paisios said. “Even my cousin, Talanoa [Hufanga], he's in the NFL. He's the safety for the Broncos. I watch some of his film, too.”
Paisios is also a cousin of Isaiah Pola-Mao, currently a defensive back on the Las Vegas Raiders. All three relatives played safety at the University of Southern California.
“I’d say my dream school has always been USC, just because my dad’s been there,” Paisios said. “I'll be grateful for any college that accepts me, offers me, or anything. All of them, it's just a blessing.”
The young playmaker has already received an offer from his top choice, USC, as well as the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico, but remains undecided officially.
Despite the dream-school offer, he seemed happily content to be at St. Augustine finishing out his high school career alongside his brother, Ephraim, and his father, who coaches the secondary.
“It's such a blessing. It was always my dream to just have my dad in the backfield,” Paisios said. “But now it's so cool where he gets to give that knowledge on to my teammates, all of our team, just everybody.”
The 5-foot-10 junior elaborated on his dad’s lessons.
“He tries to instill, especially that physicality, because football is a very physical game. He always told me as a kid, before I played football, to get me excited: ‘Are you going to speed up before a hit, or are you going to slow down?’”
Paisios’ successes don't stop at football. He is also a talented basketball player who helped lead the Saints to the 2024-25 CIF San Diego Section Division I Championship. He hopes to keep playing both sports through college.
“Basketball has always been my first love,” Paisios said. “My goal has always been both [in college]. So God willing, one day I get to that level, but still working on a lot of other things for basketball.”
Last Friday, in the opening round of the CIF San Diego Section Division II playoffs, Paisios and his team dominated the Grossmont Foothillers 45-20. He ended the night with six touchdowns, two interceptions and 263 rushing yards.
This week, St. Augustine advances to the quarterfinals to face the undefeated Santa Fe Christian Eagles, led by quarterback Dax Labrum.
