Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
DJ Uiagalelei is entering his second season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Florida State quarterback now looks to solidify his position on the depth chart behind Justin Herbert and Trey Lance.
Uiagalelei’s father, Big Dave, spoke on his current status with the Chargers, as well as his outlook for the future during a recent podcast appearance. He also took a peek back at his son’s college career, which ended in miserable fashion.
He is proud of his son for remaining strong amid a disappointing senior season. Uiagalelei opened up on death threats received during his son’s final year with the Seminoles, and how they prepared him for the next level.
DJ Uiagalelei received death threats at Florida State.
Big Dave appeared on the Coach JB Show this week to talk football. His son, Matayo, was initially the topic of conversation.
The defensive end will be a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2027 with a strong senior year. He’s racked up 16.5 sacks across the last two seasons at Oregon to cement himself as one of the nation’s top pass rushers.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Uiagalelei will complete his college career having played for just one school. That was not the case for his brother, who convinced him to return to Oregon for his senior year.
DJ Uiagalelei experienced the good and bad of the transfer portal. After leaving Clemson in 2022, he landed at Oregon State. With the Beavers, he posted arguably his best season as a passer.
Unfortunately, the coaching staff bailed after a successful campaign, leading Uiagalelei to leave for Florida State. That marriage was a disaster.
The quarterback threw more interceptions than touchdowns before being benched. Florida State went 2-10. Things got ugly.
Uiagalelei was mercilessly booed by fans throughout his brief tenure. Big Dave says that death threats were also received.
“I’m glad my son faced those trials and tribulations. It made DJ who he is today… DJ was receiving death threats, bomb threats. He couldn’t go to a McDonald’s in Florida. They’d spit in his food.
“At the end of the day, my son never wavered. He never complained… I feel like all of that kind of made DJ the pro that he is today.”
-Big Dave Uiagalelei
The QB made the NFL despite his bad stint at FSU.
DJ Uiagalelei went undrafted in 2025 but signed with the Chargers in the offseason. He did not appear in a game as a rookie, but by all accounts, is a valued member of the roster.
“They love DJ so much – the GM, the head coach, and the QB coach. They said, ‘We’re going to make room on this team for you.’ They talk highly of him. This year, he’s having a hell of an OTAs. He’s killing it right now.”
-Big Dave Uiagalelei
The passer will continue his reserve role in Los Angeles in 2026. Big Dave says the organization will ensure he has a roster spot as the third quarterback on the depth chart. He doesn’t believe his son will give them any choice.
Uiagalelei’s father insists DJ is an NFL talent. The poor finish at Florida State wasn’t his fault.
Dave Uiagalelei has taken every opportunity to blame Mike Norvell and his staff for his son’s dip in production. He expects to see much stronger results with better coaching in the NFL.
Maybe he’ll be right. DJ has looked good in limited preseason action with the Chargers. It could be a positive sign for his future. Time will tell.
Regardless, Big Dave is thankful for his son’s time in Tallahassee. DJ will not be phased by criticism. Hopefully, he hears much less of it in California than he did in Florida.