Brett Favre and Esera Tuaolo played together in Green Bay in the early nineties, and they were roommates on the road. “We had a lot in common,” Tuaolo says. “We were both from small towns. We just kind of clicked.” Hailing from Waimanalo, Hawaii, Tuaolo now lives in the Twin Cities and has enjoyed the opportunity to rekindle a friendship with his old teammate. When he found out Favre would be playing for the Vikings, “I thought it was incredible,” he says. “I know the type of leadership he can bring to a team. We have so much raw talent here, and that’s what Brett is: a great leader.”
Since the end of his football career, Tuaolo has been involved in nonprofits like the Bridge For Youth and frequently gives presentations as a motivational speaker and human-rights advocate. In 2003, he came out on national television on Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel. He has also written a book, Alone in the Trenches. “I love what I do now and the fact that I can be of service to people out there going through a hard time,” he says. “There are a lot of gay athletes out there that want to quit and not deal with the stress, and I can help them because I’ve been there.”
Tuaolo, who has been singing since he was 5, also released an album in fall 2009. It’s very eclectic, he says, featuring sounds from hip-hop to Hawaiian. “Music is an amazing way for anyone to find their happiness,” he says. Favre and Tuaolo took a break from their busy schedules to have a conversation, and Artful Living was lucky enough to listen in.
On Minnesota
How do you like the Twin Cities versus Green Bay? How is each town different?
They are very similar: very easy to adjust to and very friendly. [The fans in both towns] are passionate about their team and very supportive.
What have you been able to do for fun so far in the Twin Cities?
I took my daughter Breleigh to a Miley Cyrus concert, and my whole family to the Grease Broadway play.
Have we Minnesotans been good about giving you space or do you get mobbed when you’re at the gas station?
Yes, very considerate. Just friendly waves and smiles.
You’ve mentioned in other interviews you like to hunt and golf. Have you been able to enjoy the outdoors in Minnesota?
Absolutely, I have found some really nice spots that I visit weekly for hunting. I played golf with Longwell on some really beautiful courses.
On Football
What still drives you to come back again and play?
Love for the game.
How do you feel in the morning after a game compared to 10 years ago?
I am extremely stiff and find it is more difficult to recover.
Do you have a favorite Sunday ritual on or off the field?
I always eat a hefty breakfast.
Who has inspired you most on the field?
Reggie White.
On Life Beyond Football
You and your wife are both involved in philanthropic causes like the 4ward Foundation and Deanna’s Hope Foundation. Can you tell us a bit about each and why you feel it’s important to give back?
The 4ward Foundation provides aid to disadvantaged and disabled children. Deanna and I came from families who were very hard-working. We did not always have a lot, but we were taught to appreciate what we did have. We realize the blessings in our life and feel God has trusted us to bless others. Deanna’s Hope Foundation is very near and dear since she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35. The Hope Foundation provides aid to women going through breast cancer with financial burdens. She helps women without insurance. She remembers a time in her life when she was a single mom without insurance and can’t imagine going through cancer under such strains.
Who has inspired you most off the field?
My girls. They make me want to be a better person, husband and father.
Any ideas on what you’ll do after retirement?
No plans yet, except to spend as much time as possible with my family.
From Our Readers
Who is your favorite football player you’ve never played with or against?
Joe Montana.
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Not much on traveling at all.
If you could do it over again and you couldn’t go to Southern Mississippi, where would you want to attend college?
Wherever I would have the opportunity to play.
What was your college major? Your favorite class?
Special education. The class with the least homework.
Do you ever get to go on a date during the season?
On occasion Deanna and I will go to dinner or a movie.
Minnesota is a big hockey state. Ever watched a hockey game in person? Ever tried to skate?
Never been to a hockey game. Tried to Rollerblade once with Deanna but didn’t last long.
Would you ever do Dancing With the Stars?
No, I am way too stiff. I have been invited.
