Caizel Jesus-Kapesi, a 6-foot-1, 268-pound sophomore quarterback, went viral after leading Aiea High School in Hawaii to a 2-0 record to start the 2026 season.
His size and build garnered attention online, but it’s his childhood nickname, “Fatboy,” that has taken on a life of its own.
Jesus-Kapesi’s parents gave him the nickname because he was born weighing 10 pounds, per Hawaii Sports Radio.
“I like it because it’s always been my nickname,” Jesus-Kapesi told the outlet earlier this month.
“But I rock with it because everyone knows me by Fatboy or they call me ‘Fatz’.”
Jesus-Kapesi lost body fat while adding muscle before his sophomore season.
“I’m more solid,” he said.
His father, TeeJay, helps coach the Na Aliʻi junior varsity program and his older sister Calize competed for the ‘Aiea girls volleyball team.
“My family helps me a lot by being my biggest supporters, but also being my biggest critics,” Jesus-Kapesi said. “They keep me motivated, but grounded as well.”
As a freshman, Jesus-Kapesi helped his team reach the OIA Division I playoffs.
In 2025, he threw for a state-leading 3,264 yards and 33 touchdowns while helping lead the Na Aliʻi to the OIA Division I championship game.
He threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, nearly leading the Na Aliʻi to an upset before falling 21-19.
Jesus-Kapesi was tasked with leading a varsity offense as a freshman when projected starter Elijah Mendoza transferred to Campbell before the season.
“He was forced into that role,” offensive coordinator Keola Willing said of Jesus-Kapesi. “He had to learn how to read defenses right away for the offense.
“Last year was super good. He caught on, asked questions when he needed to and he just kind of clicked. The offense clicked.”
Jesus-Kapesi is also working on becoming more vocal on the field.
“One thing he’s trying to work on this year is his leadership because he’s so young,” Willing said. “He’s working with seniors and juniors and it’s there. They respect him.”
Head coach Mika Liʻiliʻi praised him for his team-first mentality.
“Fatboy is just a coachable kid, coachable guy that wants to learn and trust in the system,” Liʻiliʻi said.
