01/29/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former NFL Athlete, JET CEO, Junior Aumavae Inspires American Samoa Community at “Rowing Together for a Better Samoa” Health Initiative
Pago Pago, American Samoa, January 27, 2026. Junior Aumavae, a former NFL athlete, Juniors Elite Trends CEO, and proud son of the Samoan community, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the American Samoa Department of Health’s “Rowing Together for a Better Samoa” health and wellness program. Drawing from his experiences in professional football, Aumavae motivated attendees to prioritize physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through collective action and daily discipline.
The event, centered on the powerful motto “Rowing Together for a Better Samoa,” symbolizes the traditional fautasi (longboat) racing that unites crews in synchronized effort mirroring the community wide commitment needed to combat prevalent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions in the islands.
In his speech, Aumavae shared lessons from his NFL career, where teamwork, consistent training, and resilience were key to success on the field. “In the NFL, you succeed by rowing in sync with your teammates, pushing through challenges, and holding each other accountable,” Aumavae said. “That’s the same spirit our Samoa needs, we do them together as families, churches, and villages.”
Aumavae highlighted the real health challenges facing American Samoa while emphasizing hope and prevention: “These issues are preventable, and we’re not facing them by ourselves. Just like in a fautasi race, when every rower digs deep and stays in rhythm, we move forward stronger together.”
The initiative brought together community leaders, families, health professionals, and residents for education, screenings, and activities promoting wellness. Attendees responded enthusiastically, with many committing to personal and group health goals inspired by Aumavae’s message.
Aumavae, who has transitioned from professional sports to entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, and advocacy, continues to give back to his cultural roots. “Returning to speak in American Samoa was an honor,” he added. “Fa’afetai tele to the Department of Health and everyone who showed up. Let’s keep rowing together for a stronger, healthier Samoa.”
For more information about the “Rowing Together for a Better Samoa” initiative, contact the American Samoa Department of Health.
About JET CEO, Junior Aumavae: Junior Aumavae is a former NFL athlete, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, former government official and advocate for health and wellness. With roots in the Samoan community, he uses his platform to empower others through discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride.
