Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tavita Liumotumotua'anaileafi Pritchard, Jr., a proud son of American Samoa and the quarterback coach for the Washington Commanders in the NFL, is currently on-island, reconnecting with relatives he hasn't seen since his last visit as a toddler.

He is one of the few Samoans who has achieved coaching success in the highly competitive NFL arena. Last Thursday, Pritchard's remarkable achievements were officially recognized by the Senate in a Resolution commending him on "his remarkable career as an athlete of American Samoa ancestry and a Professional Coach of the National Football League (NFL)."

The Resolution which was introduced by Fofo Senator Olo Uluao Letuli was presented to him during the Senate's regular session.

The 38-year-old NFL coach, whose lineage traces back to the village of Leone through his paternal grandparents, Keila Pritchard and Taulago Aumavae, was accompanied by his proud relatives, led by the family Sa'o, Ilaoa Aumavae Kenape Aumavae. Also present were two of his four sisters, Krysta and Sina.

Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau, speaking on behalf of the Senate, expressed gratitude for his contributions.

"On behalf of all the senators, Tavita, may God bless you," Gaoteote stated. "You make us proud, and we deeply appreciate your contributions, as they hold great significance for our people."

The senator also referenced the Samoan proverb, "E lele le toloa ae ma'au i le vai," which symbolizes how Samoans, no matter where they may journey in the world, always return home to Samoa.

Pritchard Jr. shared how deeply humbled and honored he felt to be officially recognized by the Territory's leaders. He also proudly acknowledged his ancestral connections to the Ilaoa, Aumavae, Faiivae, and Fuiava families.

"This trip feels like it has been a long time coming," he shared. "The Samoan proverb that the honorable senator mentioned resonates deeply with me. From the moment my feet touched the ground after stepping off the plane, this has truly felt like home. I am incredibly proud of my Samoan heritage, which has undoubtedly played a significant role in the success I've achieved.

"Although I did not grow up on the island, the Fa'asamoa was a constant presence in our household. Values such as humility, respect, hard work, and community were deeply ingrained in me by my family. What has touched me the most is our people—the sense of community and the overwhelming love I've felt from the moment I arrived."

He expressed his gratitude to the Senate for honoring him with the resolution, and he also extended heartfelt thanks to his families in Leone for hosting him and his sisters.

According to the Resolution, Tavita Liumotumotua'anaileafi Pritchard, Jr. was born on February 20, 1987 in Tacoma, Washington to parents David Pritchard of Leone, American Samoa and Kelli Pritchard of Terre Haute, Indiana.

He graduated in 2005 from Clover Park High School in Lakewood, Washington, where as quarterback of the football team, he threw for 5,323 yards and 55 touchdowns during his high school career. His love for the sport was instilled from birth with his father David Pritchard as starting center for Washington State in 1981 and his uncle, a former NFL quaterback, famously known as Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson.

In college, Pritchard Jr. played quarterback for the Stanford University Cardinals from 2006 to 2009 and made his first career start against University of Southern California Trojans in 2007 when he engineered an epic 24- 23 upset of the second-ranked USC Trojans.

His 10-yard game winning touchdown pass on the fourth down with less than a minute left in the game secured his spot in Stanford football history. Pritchard Jr. appeared in 31 career games and made 20 starts, throwing for 2,865 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Pritchard Jr. graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Communications in 2009.

In 2010, Pritchard Jr. worked as a volunteer assistant for the Stanford University football team until he was officially hired as a defensive assistant coach for his alma mater. He moved on to coach the running backs in 2013 and was then promoted to the role of quarterbacks/wide receivers coach from 2014 to 2017 before assuming the role of offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022.

During Pritchard Jr.'s time as Stanford University's offensive coordinator, he successfully coached and assisted eight offensive players who were drafted to the NFL from 2019 to 2021.

Notably, Pritchard Jr. coached quarterback Davis Mills, a third-round draft pick of the Houston Texans, who guided the team to a 4-2 record, including four straight wins to end the season during a COVID-19 shortened season. Mills earned honorable mention AllPac-12, finishing 129 of for 1,508 yards and 10 total touchdowns. His 301.6 passing yards per game was second best in the Pac-12.

Pritchard Jr. also coached quarterback Kevin Hogan, a fifth-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, during his final season at Stanford. Hogan led the team to the 2015 Pac-12 title and a Rose Bowl win. The Cardinal football program excelled under Pritchard's tutelage, earning honorable mentions for many athletes during his tenure as coach.

On February 24, 2023, Pritchard Jr. was hired by the NFL Washington Commanders as their quarterbacks coach under Head Coach Ron Rivera. The Commanders had a winning season with its 12-7 regular season finish and also making it to the 2025 NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

On February 15, 2024, Pritchard was retained by the Commanders as their quarterbacks coach under Head Coach Dan Quinn.

Tavita Liumotumotua'anaileafi Pritchard, Jr. is married to Caroline Kusin Pritchard who is a passionate educator and children's book author, and they have four children.