BYU: The We Are One FoundationBig Stories • Season 3, Episode 61
Apr 9, 2026 • 20m
Isaiah Kaufusi’s football journey didn’t follow the storybook ending. After going undrafted and bouncing between NFL rosters, he eventually stepped away from the game in search of something bigger than football. What followed was an unexpected calling—one sparked by BYU Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake.
At Sitake’s request, Kaufusi teamed up with former BYU center Connor Pay to launch a nonprofit with a bold mission: create meaningful employment opportunities in Tonga and beyond. The result is The We Are One Foundation, an organization partnering with BYU–Pathway Worldwide to connect students across the South Pacific and Africa with remote work opportunities—and to build a first-of-its-kind employment center in Tonga.
In this episode, Isaiah shares how the idea began, what they’re building right now, and why he believes the work happening in Tonga is only the beginning of something far bigger.
Guests:
Isaiah Kaufusi – President of The We Are One Foundation
Connor Pay – BYU football analyst, Vice President of The We Are One Foundation