Esera Tuaolo

Esera Tuaolo Profile

Since coming out in 2002, Esera Tuaolo, aka Mr. Aloha, has spoken to schools and corporations about the prevalence of homophobia in sports and business. He helps organizational leaders understand how to create a safe environment for members and employees. Audiences of all ages learn how to identify and peacefully combat bullying and other forms of discrimination. Audiences also are inspired to be their best selves by speaking to their individual truths without fear or intimidation.

Esera played for the NFL as a nose tackle for nine years and for five different teams. Today he is an executive chef and has been a part of the Taste of the NFL for years. He uses his culinary skills for team building and donates chef dinners to raise money for non-profit organizations. Esera was also a finalist on the NBC hit show The Voice (Team Blake), inspiring people with his voice and encouraging people to never give up on their dreams. He performs around the country and likes to sing a song as an ice breaker during his presentation. Esera Tavai Tuaolo is of Samoan ancestry and was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up in poverty on a banana farm in Waimanalo. He has twins, Mitchell and Michele. Many of his meaningful moments and struggles while growing up and playing football can be found in his autobiography, Alone in the Trenches: My Life as a Gay Man in the NFL. Tuaolo has been featured on National Public Radio, ABC News, Sports Illustrated, Huffington Post, People Magazine, Outsports, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, and many more media outlets.