Ephraim Asiata was not supposed to play football again, let alone live.
However, the true freshman defensive end has defied all odds in order to get back on the gridiron. His story is one of family, resilience and faith. It is a story that can inspire all to defy the odds and look towards the good in the trials we face.
Asiata is the second oldest of five children to his parents, Matt and Tangi. He grew up in Utah and played football at Hunter High School before transferring and finishing his senior year at Herriman High School, where he was named to a First-team All-Region selection in 2023.
His dad, Matt, played college football at the University of Utah and then spent five years in the NFL, primarily playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Being able to grow up with an NFL dad helped instill a work ethic in Ephraim that has helped him get to where he is today.
“He pushed me to do everything to get to that level and I trust him. He knows what he's doing. Obviously, he's done the steps to get to the highest level.” That's my pops. So I'm gonna listen to whatever he says,” Ephraim said.
Things were going well for Ephraim as he was a sought-after prospect in high school and he had taken a visit to his dad’s alma mater. However, everything changed on Jan. 13, 2022, when the unthinkable happened.
Tragedy strikes
While Ephraim was a sophomore at Hunter High School, he and two of his friends, Paul Tahi and Tivani Lopati, were involved in a tragic shooting. The shooting would claim the lives of his teammates while Ephraim would cling his to life.
Matt received a call alerting him of the shooting and he and his wife raced to the hospital where Ephraim had been admitted. The news they received when they got to the hospital was not something that a parent wants to hear.
Ephraim sustained major damage from the bullet that pierced his right side. The bullet exploded after impact which sent fragments into every major organ. Surgeons were tasked with finding and removing the fragments from his organs, according to vikings.com.
His liver, small intestine and pancreas all suffered the most damage. Ephraim lost half of his liver and doctors had to remove his entire small intestine due to the damage.
Praying for a miracle
The doctors gave Ephraim just a 1% chance to live.
Despite the bleak outlook, friends and family were by his side day and night. No one was willing to give up hope.
“When Ephraim was in the hospital we all felt helpless but never hopeless.” said uncle, Muka Atiga. “It felt like never-ending prayers were on repeat for days and weeks at a time. Our family never felt so much support from our community and extended family members. It was amazing to see so many people support Ephraim and cheer him on from near and far.”
Ephraim was able to get the surgery that he needed but he still faced a long road to recovery. With the intent and burning desire to play football again, he and his dad would do small workouts in the hospital and take it one day at a time.
“I would describe Ephraim’s resiliency as “God-Given,” Muka said. “He’s always and will always be someone who refuses to lose, refuses to show weakness and has always stood firm in his ability to push through any difficult challenges. He’s my hero and I’ll forever admire his resiliency."
Despite this major setback, Ephraim viewed this trial as something that would strengthen him.
“It obviously strengthened not just my faith, but my family's as well, just getting us a little closer to our Heavenly Father. He's the one doing all this work so I'm gonna keep trusting in Him. Keep saying my prayers and keep being blessed. That's that's what he has to offer,” Ephraim said.
Muka noticed the impact this challenge had on the Asiatas.
“That trial brought our family together like nothing else could," he said. “We knew none of us would be able to handle that on our own and we really leaned into that relationship we have amongst ourselves. With the backing of our community and extended families, we were equipped with literally everything we needed to get through.”
Comeback
Ephraim was able to defy the odds and returned to play football at Herriman High School for his senior year. He then decided that he would commit to play football at BYU, despite his dad having played at the University of Utah.
“Going through everything I've been through, it just increased my faith much more. That's another reason why I came to BYU,” Ephraim said.
Ephraim was not able to serve a mission but he feels like the opportunity he has at BYU is taking the place of a mission. He has been able to inspire his teammates and coaches and in the words of his coach, Kalani Sitake, he is a “walking miracle.”
Ephraim said he is grateful to be a part of this BYU team. He has seen limited action this season due to the deep position groups that the Cougars have along the defensive line and linebacker positions.
That does not mean Ephraim doesn’t have a role on this team. On game days, you can find him hyping his team up and bringing the energy for his teammates.
“I'd say my goal right now is just continuing to play my role on the team. Whenever they need my number, I'll be ready. I'm just gonna keep being patient,” he said.
Ephraim continues to defy all odds. His story is far from over but he will continue to be a inspiration to all those who know of his resilience.