Josaphat Tamatekou is a name that will draw a second look from anyone, but the story behind the name is even more unique. Not many people can say they are a college football player as well as recently gaining U.S. citizenship. Even with all these accomplishments what stands out the most about “Joe” is his character and attitude.

Most people will see a 6’5 275 pound man and feel intimidated at first but once Joe shows his smile and laugh all feelings of intimidation will be gone. The attitude he brings to every day is contagious anU brings up any room he walks into.

“Joe is a great guy. I’ve only known him for a semester but I feel like I can trust and count on him when needed,” Nathan Roberts, QU football player, said.

What is really unknown about Tamatekou is the fact that he only recently got his U.S. citizenship. He knew it was something he wanted and when Tamatekousets his mind to something he makes it happen. While looking at the roster it may say Chicago, but that is only where he grew up, he was born in Togo, West Africa, where he would then make the trip to Illinois.

Balancing classes, practice, and studying for the citizenship test Tamatekou decided to attempt the test during the football season, only increasing the difficulty. This difficulty proved to be no match as Tamatekou was able to achieve his U.S. citizenship on the first try.

“What made me want to become a citizen was well, first to be able to say that I am an American citizen and be able to pursue a higher education,” Tamatekou said.

While being a collegiate athlete is already impressive enough his dedication to the classroom might be even more impressive. This is because Tamatekou took it upon himself to take 18 credit hours and really push himself.

Even with all this on his plate Tamatekou still makes sure to put his friends first, by spending time with them and creating life long memories.

” ‘Big Joe’ is a good person to chill and laugh with on an occasion and he will always push you through tough days,” Demetrius Edwards, QU football player, said.

While not only pushing himself to be the best he can be Tamatekou always makes sure to push his teammates as much as he can, whether that is in the weight room, on the field or even in the classroom.

Tamatekou didn’t begin his college career at QU. He started off at Upper Iowa where he then transferred to Quincy where he plans on graduating. While his story is not the traditional one it is definitely one to be remembered from playing football at a higher level to gaining his citizenship.

Tamatekou has big goals for his future, right now he is majoring in exercise science where he plans on becoming a strength and conditioning coach or a physical therapist assistant.