UVA Today Weekend Preview: A Family Bond and a Cross-Country Move

August 31, 2023 By Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu

For three-plus hours Saturday, Snoop and Dogg will be on opposite sides of the Cavaliers-Volunteers football game in Nashville that kicks off the season for both programs. It’ll be one of the few instances in their young lives where parts of their family will be split on anything.

UVA Today writer Andrew Ramspacher lays out the coincidence – and dilemma – at the epicenter of the family’s remarkable story. Tapuvae “Snoop” Leota-Amaama plays for the University of Virginia. His brother, Aaron “Dogg” Amaama, is on the football staff at the University of Tennessee.

How the family with Samoan roots wound up in Charlottesville is a tale of love and dedication. And, yes, you’ll find out how two football brothers with a combined weight of 700 pounds, got those nicknames. Look for the story in UVA Today Weekend, delivered to your email Saturday morning.

Related Story

Media Contact

Mike Mather

Managing Editor University Communications