- The game was held on what would have been his parents’ 26th anniversary
- Beforehand Tupuola-Fetui made sure to pick out his mother in the crowd
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Washington Huskies linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui was overcome with emotion before their in-state rivalry game against the Washington State Cougars.
As he ran out ahead of the game, Tupuola-Fetui – whose father passed away last month – was seen shedding tears and hugging his mother on the sidelines at Husky Stadium.
He also appeared to be holding framed photographs that were likely images of the family.
The broadcast crew went on to reveal that it was not only one month since his father passed away, but Saturday would also have marked Tupuola-Fetui’s parents’ 26th anniversary.
Heading into the game the senior had recorded 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the No. 4 ranked Huskies.
Washington Huskies linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui was overcome with emotion before their in-state rivalry game against the Washington State Cougars
![Tupuola-Fetui, whose father passed away last month, appeared to be holding framed pictures of his family as he took to the field](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/25/23/78236951-12791263-He_appeared_to_be_holding_framed_pictures_that_likely_displayed_-a-38_1700954557192.jpg)
Tupuola-Fetui, whose father passed away last month, appeared to be holding framed pictures of his family as he took to the field
![He also shared an emotional hug with his mom on what would have been her 26th anniversary with his late father](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/25/23/78237671-12791263-image-a-42_1700955701522.jpg)
He also shared an emotional hug with his mom on what would have been her 26th anniversary with his late father
Tupuola-Fetui has been a member of the Huskies since 2018 and has taken full advantage of the NCAA’s recent changes to rules that preserve player’s eligibility.
During his time with the Huskies, Tupuola-Fetui has accumulated a list of honors including being named All-Pac-12 First, Second, and Third Team, All America Second and Third Team, and more.
Not only would a win against their rivals make the emotional day for Tupuola-Fetui a special one but it would also put Washington one step closer to securing an undefeated regular season and a position in the College Football Playoff.
Next week the Huskies will play what is expected to be a highly competitive matchup against the No. 6 Oregon Ducks and Heisman Trophy candidate Bo Nix.
Oregon kept their momentum chugging in the right direction after securing a 31-7 win over No. 15 Oregon State.
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