I went to the final day of the UA's Next Level flag football season for boys and girls last Sunday at Casino Del Sol Stadium. About 40 Arizona football players coach those teams, about 500 players every Sunday for six weeks. It is a home run endeavor.
As I was waiting to watch my grandson's team, coached by UA defensive lineman Dominic Lolesio, UA quarterback Noah Fifita, wearing an "Alkeme" cap, walked to the north end zone and was surrounded by players from four teams.
Fifita gave an inspirational speech to the flag football players, talking about "commitment," being a good teammate, having fun and playing hard from start to finish. It was impressive. He then posed for photographs and signed autographs for five or 10 minutes, a process Fifita completed about four times during the afternoon.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita celebrates with fans after defeating Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Tempe.
Fifita didn't stop there. At Monday's UA-Iowa State men's basketball game, I noticed him as he walked along the mid-level concourse near the northwest exit. He was quickly identified and then swarmed by 15 or 20 fans who asked him to pose for photos with them, which he did with a smile.
Talk about a wonderful example of a student-athlete in the community.
