Jake Langi
@jakelangi
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15-Year College Football Vet ▪️ FCS, G5, & P5 exp.▪️ “Coach Daddy” ▪️ TXST Alum ▪️ Polynesian ▪️ D1 Dad ▪️ Free Agent Personnel & Recruiting Specialist
Euless, TX ➡️Austin, TX
Joined October 2011
Two years ago today, @CastleviewATX produced this video about Cannon’s journey with Autism & the impact @ImagineAWay ‘s sponsorship has had in his life. He’s come a long way thanks to the ABA therapy @ImagineAWay provides for him.
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Walked into my (nonverbal) son’s room & asked him for a hug. He walked over to me & said clear as day, “Hug.”. Then gave me a big squeeze. I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas gift. I’ll never forget this day. I’m so thankful. I love you, son. #AutismWarrior.#KAT6A
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My son, Cannon, is nonverbal, is on the Autism Spectrum, & is also 1 of nearly 300 people in entire world with a super rare disease called KAT6A Syndrome. We’re in the process of finding him a Service/Therapy Dog. I’ve never been a dog person but I’m definitely a believer now.🧡
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Today’s Navy-BYU game is a historic one for our people. It’s the first time a game will be led by two Polynesian head coaches. @NAVYCoachKen & my cousin, Coach @kalanifsitake , helped pave the way for guys like myself & I’m forever indebted to them & their example.
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1863: My ancestors seized a slave trading ship & killed the blackbirding crew who attempted to abduct my people. These cannons are from that ship & still reside in my Dad’s village of ‘Uiha in Tonga. That’s the reason I named my son Cannon: freedom & fighting for one’s family.
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In the Tongan culture, we don’t ask each other, “What do you do for a living?”. We ask, “Who are you? Who are your parents & grandparents? What village are you from?”. WHO you are, WHO raised you, & WHO do you represent is what’s important to us.
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Wearing the Longhorn logo on my chest the past five seasons was an absolute honor. My heart overflows with gratitude for colleagues, recruits, & their loved ones who became my Longhorn family. Thank you for everything. I love y’all. God bless, Texas Fight, & Hook’em.🤘🏽
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My 9-year old son is on the Autism Spectrum, has an ultra rare genetic disease, & is nonverbal. Tonight as I was about to put him to bed, he knelt on the ground & looked at me because he wanted me to pray. He’s never done that. I’m grateful for this tender mercy. God is good.🙏🏽.
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I’m rude to people who unnecessarily stare at my Autistic son. 1 day at church, a guy was “staring” so I said, “Got a problem?!”. Later, he slowly walked to the podium holding onto the pews. He shared how blessed he was although he’s blind. Sometimes, I’m the problem. #BeKind
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As a parent with a special needs son, my hope has always been that there would be kind-hearted kids at his elementary school who would be mindful of him. I’m so thankful for the little girl who has befriended my son & plays with him at recess. She answered my prayers. 🙏🏽.
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My 10-year old son is nonverbal, Autistic, & has a rare genetic disease. He’s watching a show on his iPad by himself, smiling, laughing, hugging himself, & wearing a shirt that says “Kind People Are My Kind Of People.”. A reminder that we need to be kind to ourselves as well.💙
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Getting a college education is great & is definitely the priority, but having a systematic plan that prepares a player for life after football is what REALLY matters. Life comes at you fast so choose wisely. #4EverTexas.#ThisIsTexas.#HookEm🤘🏽
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My son’s Autism causes sleep disturbances which can exacerbate features like poor social skills, seizures, behavior, brain development, etc. Through it all, Cannon still clocked in every day & had perfect attendance plus 30 hours of therapy a week. #AutismWarrior #KAT6Asyndrome
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Only tears can express the joy I felt when I learned that my son, Cannon, spelled his name without any help. He’s worked so hard. We are beyond grateful to our Heavenly Father for this blessing & for Cannon’s therapists & teachers. #AutismWarrior #KAT6Asyndrome
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My son Cannon is Autistic & has a rare genetic disease. Today is his first time to fly on an airplane & I’m nervous as hell for him. He can be loud & active but he’s literally the sweetest kid in the world. Praying others show patience & compassion for my Autism Warrior.🙏🏽
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2012: Worried father whose fragile son was born with undiagnosed health concerns. Turned down 4 college football gigs to be a full-time SAHD. 2021: Proud father & happy son navigating through Autism & a rare genetic disease while working dream job. I’m so damn proud of us.🤜🏼🤛🏽
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Lovely service for an outstanding young man. Rest peacefully, Jake. 🧡🤘🏽🕊
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Mom had a graveyard gig cleaning the SLC Airport in the 70’s. I used to sleep in a closet while she worked. We cleaned restaurants & offices when I was a kid in the 80’s. When you see me treat the janitor the same as the CEO — you’ll know why. It’ll always be a part of me.
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I remember calling my wife when I was hired by Texas. She screamed, “OMG! YOU’RE GONNA MEET MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY!”. I replied, “After waiting for an opportunity like this for 8 years THAT’S the first thing you say?!” I gotta go.”. So I hung up on her. All gas, no brakes though.
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My father migrated from Tonga to the U.S. on an academic scholarship, $21 in his pocket, & the American Dream. Proud to carry his name & continue his legacy. Happy (Heavenly) Birthday, Dad. Love & miss you.
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Coach: What position do you play, Wiley?. Jared: Any position I want, Coach.
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Cannon just typed this on his communication device during speech therapy.😍. #AutismWarrior .#KAT6Asyndrome.#HugLife
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My son Cannon is 6 years old today. Life hasn’t been easy for him but he’s the toughest & happiest person I’ve ever known. Kicking Autism’s & KAT6A Syndrome’s butt every damn day & I’m so grateful to be his father. Love you so much, son.
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Your high school chapter is finally closed. I appreciate your commitment since you’ve arrived early on the 40 Acres. Takes a special man with audacity to blaze trails for our people from the state of Hawaii. Congratulations on graduating from THE Kahuku HS, @LefauLiona . #RR4L🤟🏽
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My son Cannon was the 11th person in the world identified with KAT6A Syndrome. There are now roughly 400 known cases. Today on #RareDiseaseDay, I celebrate Cannon’s resilience & the joy he brings into my life. He’s nonverbal but he has taught me that love needs no words.
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Not sure there’s a more perfect Halloween idea for my daughter & my Mom.
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It was all a dream. .
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Wish my kid didn’t need to be so tough but he is & I’m so damn proud to be his Dad. I’m thankful we don’t have a game this weekend. It’ll be all about Cannon, rest, & recovery. #AutismWarrior.#KAT6Asyndrome
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Dad’s passport photo when he migrated from Tonga. 24 years old & had $21 in his pocket, an academic scholarship, a strong work ethic, & the American Dream. I’m so grateful for the freedoms & opportunities we enjoy in this country. Happy Independence Day, y’all.
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I see you, nephew.
🚨NEW🚨 4-star IOL Alai Kalaniuvalu has flipped his commitment from Oregon to BYU🔵⚪️. Read:
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My sophomore scored a 1260 on the PSAT which is 20 points higher than her initial attempt. It also places her in the 96th percentile. #CloseTheGap
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Yesterday was my birthday. It was just another day to me. Didn’t need or want anything. Never do. However, my (nonverbal & Autistic) 8-year old son wishing me a Happy Birthday for the first time using his speech device is EVERYTHING to me.💙. #AutismWarrior🎧 .#KAT6Asyndrome
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When you see a Tongan making the letter “T” with their arms, know that he/she is proudly reppin’ their Tongan bloodlines, family, & culture. #TzUp🇹🇴
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A year ago today, I announced that I’d be joining the Texas Longhorns football program. It’s been so rewarding to learn from a championship culture & be surrounded by outstanding individuals. The foundation has been set & I’m excited for the future. #ThisIsTexas #HookEm🤘🏽.
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After 5 yrs of therapy, Cannon’s meal FINALLY looks like a “regular” meal: chicken nuggets, peas, & carrots. His diet used to consist of Stage 3 baby food, graham crackers, & Honeycombs cereal ‘cause swallowing/chewing difficulty & sensory issues. #AutismWarrior #KAT6Asyndrome
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My Pops was 6’4. At his heaviest, was about 375. A lefty too. This video makes me miss him.😂
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After 3 years of uncertainty, advocacy, & prayers we went from zero ABA Therapy coverage to full coverage with no co-pay, out-of-pocket, or deductible. So grateful that Cannon will have the critical help he needs to maximize his quality of life. #AutismWarrior.#KAT6Asyndrome
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8 years ago. I’m Polynesian. It affects me & my family too. So it’s my fight.
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My son has Autism, a rare genetic mutation, & is nonverbal. Instead of play dates with friends he has sessions with speech, occupational, & ABA therapists. He rarely wants anything but his iPad, so when he gravitated to this Marshmallow Man, his Mama had to buy it for him.💙
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Going into my 11th college football season & this is the first time I’ve ever walked into the office with a birthday surprise waiting for me. Can’t express how much I appreciate our recruiting staff & the family-based culture we have here on the 40 Acres. Love y’all. #HookEm🤘🏽
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My son could only eat puréed foods til he was 4 due to Autism, muscle weakness, & swallowing/chewing issues. I’m filled with gratitude as I watch him eat a French fry with ease just like any other kid. He’s worked so hard to get to this point. #AutismWarrior🎧.#KAT6Asyndrome
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Heartbroken reading posts from family & friends in the Kingdom of Tonga.🇹🇴. Praying for updates of safety from loved ones & all those affected by the volcanic eruptions & tsunami. ‘Ofa atu.
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I don’t have anything cool or witty to tweet in celebrating our new commitment. I just have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude in my chest that we were chosen to serve as an extension of this wonderful family & develop this young man. Hook’em🤘🏽 #ItTakesAVillage
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In a world full of fake tough guys, I appreciate @junior_angilau so much. He’s a humble, full-blooded warrior.🇹🇴
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Autism & KAT6A Syndrome make life challenging for my 9-year old son, Cannon. He struggles with things that come easy to most of us including smiling on cue. He’s worked so hard & we finally have a great school picture of him. Cannon reminds me to appreciate the little things.
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Our freshmen #RevolUTion18 class is making a huge & immediate impact. #fUTure19 is on deck. #ThisIsTexas #HookEm🤘🏽
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In 1863, a slave ship docked at my Dad’s village of ‘Uiha & attempted to abduct a group of my ancestors. They failed due to a 2nd group who attacked the slave traders & destroyed the ship. 2 cannons from that ship are still in ‘Uiha. That’s how I came up w/my son’s name, Cannon.
1/25 In 1863 NZ slavers sent nearly 200 Tongans, from the islands of 'Ata and Niuafo'ou, to Peru. In my book The Stolen Island I suggested some Tongans might have survived that hell, & returned to Polynesia. Now a brilliant young historian's found evidence that at least one did.
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RECRUITS: When looking at a football program, be sure to do your homework on their Strength & Conditioning staff. Luckily for us, @yjmcknight is the best in the biz & that’s not an overstatement. Choose wisely, y’all - it could cost you 💰. #ThisIsTexas #HookEm🤘🏽 #fUTure19
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It’s going according to plan. Enroll early, learn the playbook, get acclimated to college life, learn from J-Fordy & Gbenda, & contribute immediately on Special Teams. I see you, @LefauLiona .
Freshman Texas LB Liona Lefau is the highest-graded player in the Big 12 on special teams this season (90.1).
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Face ‘em down. Flip us off. Rock, paper, scissors. Couldn’t care less. It’s Texas Fight. #HookEm🤘🏽.
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My 9-year old son, Cannon, is nonverbal, Autistic, & also has an ultra rare genetic neurodevelopment disease. He’s a sweet & hard working kid. I’m thankful for insurance that allow therapists to invest in him & I’m thankful for his speech device that shows us how smart he is.💙
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Life hasn’t been easy for you, Cannon. Many times it has flat out sucked but you attack it everyday. You bring a special joy into my life that I didn’t know existed & I’m so thankful. No therapy today. Just fun. I love you. Happy Birthday, son. #AutismWarrior.#KAT6Asyndrome
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When I was in Utah a few weeks ago everyone asked me, “How’s Junior doing?”. This was my answer.😎
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Excited we’re tappin’ into the warrior bloodlines & culture of the 808 state. There’s a different type of toughness in Hawaii. #CheeHooo #ThisIsTexas #HookEm🤘🏽
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Fireworks freak my son out, so we’re checking into a hotel to get away from the late night antics. Should’ve started this tradition a long time ago. Be safe, y’all. Happy Independence Day. #AutismWarrior🎧.#KAT6Asyndrome
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Top 5️⃣ in no specific order:. 5️⃣ World class education✅.4️⃣ Austin - voted best city to live in✅.3️⃣ Elite resources✅.2️⃣ 🏈 & our plan for life after 🏈✅.1️⃣ THE University of Texas✅. Texas is HOME & TOTAL PACKAGE. #ThisIsTexas.#HookEm🤘🏽.
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As as father to a child with Autism, this is the content I’m here for as well. I pray everyday that students & educators are friendly to my son & mindful of him.
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REAL TALK: I did my homework on this new staff before deciding what my next move was going to be. My relatives who have either played with/for or coached with our new staff had awesome things to say about them as both men & coaches. That’s all I needed to know. #HookEm🤘🏽
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I was clowning on him last night but, in all honesty, it was pretty neat to see the long line of fans of who wanted @BCarringtonUT ‘s autograph. It’s a testament to his work ethic & the punch he packs in recruiting. #ThisIsTexas #HookEm #TheGuru
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