The Kansas City Chiefs recently agreed to terms with XFL standout QB Jordan Ta’amu on a one-year deal. After proving himself through five games with the St. Louis BattleHawks, Ta’amu is getting a shot in the NFL with the Super Bowl champs. Here’s a look at four things the Chiefs Kingdom should know about their newest player:
Ta’amu is from Pearl City, Hawaii but is of Samoan descent
Ta’amu grew up in Pearl City, which is on the Island of Oahu. One thing that impacted Ta’amu during his upbringing was the friendliness and family feel of island-life. It influenced his decision when he chose to transfer to Ole Miss. The Chiefs Kingdom will likely have that same feel for him once he arrives in Kansas City.
In his early days at Oxford, Mississippi he earned the nickname the “Flyin’ Hawaiian.” Later he opted for a nickname previously held by former Bengals and Bucs QB Jack Thompson because Ta’amu is actually of Samoan descent.
Due to genetical technicalities I’m changing my name from the Flyin Hawaiian to the Throwin Samoan – Ready to Lock the Vaught 2018 – #DontBlink or you might miss
— Jordan Ta'amu (@JTaamu10) December 1, 2017
So if you’re looking for a nickname for Ta’amu, stick with the “Throwin Samoan.”
Ta’amu is friends with another Samoan quarterback from Hawaii who is currently preparing for the 2020 NFL draft — Alabama’s Tua Tagavailoa. The two players grew up training together in Hawaii and remain good friends to this day.