George Holani, the New Zealand-born running back for the Seattle Seahawks, returned to his California high school to celebrate his Super Bowl 60 win. After the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, Holani paid tribute to his heritage and the community that helped shape his journey in football.
During the championship game, Holani wore traditional Tongan attire to honor his background. Weeks after the victory, he visited St. John Bosco High School, where he once was a standout athlete, and presented head coach Jason Negro with his autographed Seahawks jersey as a token of gratitude.
A Visit to St. John Bosco Highlights Holani’s Connection to His High School
At St. John Bosco, Holani was celebrated not only for his NFL success but also for his earlier achievements as a three-star football prospect and rugby player—an homage to his father’s favorite sport. The visit was shared on the Seahawks’ official social media, showing Holani’s meaningful return to his roots.
In an interview with High School Football America, head coach Jason Negro reflected on the significance of Holani’s visit:
“I think the most rewarding thing for me as a coach and as an educator is when your young men come back to school to present you with what I call ‘the gift,’ not to me but to our program. For all of the hard work, the dedication, the staff, and everybody put in here to help him along in his journey to get him where he wants to go.”
– Jason Negro, Head Coach
Holani Joins a Legacy of St. John Bosco Super Bowl Winners
Negro also noted that Holani is the third former St. John Bosco player to earn a Super Bowl ring. Wide receiver Bryce Treggs won Super Bowl 52 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and cornerback Trent McDuffie earned championships in Super Bowls 57 and 58 playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. This highlights the school’s strong tradition of developing professional-level talent.
George Holani’s Path to the NFL and Career Progress
After high school football in California, Holani played collegiately with Boise State Broncos, where he earned Second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors twice. Despite going undrafted in 2024, the Seattle Seahawks signed him. By the 2025 NFL season, Holani had appeared in 18 games, totaling 30 rushing attempts for 93 yards and one touchdown, including appearances in the playoffs.
The Meaning Behind Holani’s Return and Its Broader Impact
Holani’s return to St. John Bosco serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, culture, and mentorship in athlete development. His gesture connects his professional achievements back to the local programs and people that supported him early on. As Holani continues his NFL career with the Seahawks, his story may inspire other young athletes from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams while honoring their origins.
Super Bowl Homecoming! Former Bosco Football legend and newly minted World Champion stopped by with a gift for his beloved Braves. Thank you ‘19 George Holani for reminding us where it all started. #DestinationBosco #Brave4Life pic.twitter.com/mj18c2EC4A
— Bosco Football (@boscofootball) February 24, 2026
Recently, George Holani returned to his alma mater, St. John Bosco (California) to present the Braves with an autographed jersey celebrating his Super Bowl win with the @Seahawks.
Below, head coach Jason Negro, who's led @boscofootball to 2 High School Football America national… pic.twitter.com/8QmHxJ7CxA
— High School Football America (@HSFBamerica) February 26, 2026
