The NFL’s Week 14 schedule continues with Monday Night Football, as Punahou graduate Andrei Iosivas looks to build on his impressive sophomore campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Iosivas, a Princeton alum, has scored nine touchdowns in his first 28 NFL games.
Last weekend, he made history by recording his fifth touchdown of the season, breaking the single-season record for touchdown receptions by a Hawai‘i-born player. The previous mark of four was set 21 years ago by Kahuku’s Itula Mili, a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks.
“I didn’t know that, that’s crazy,” Iosivas told KHON2 Sports. “I’m blessed and honored to have that title now. My goal is to be the best, and I hope I can represent Hawai‘i well. Talent can come from anywhere, and people are starting to see that now, especially in college recruiting. Every success for someone from Hawai‘i feels like a win for all of us, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received.”
Iosivas also reflected on the outpouring of aloha he has experienced in his NFL journey, with fans waving shakas and showing their pride from the stands.
“It’s been great, especially on the West Coast,” Iosivas said. “I remember last year’s game in San Francisco— I didn’t have many receptions, but fans still knew me and were throwing up shakas. Even last week, someone had a Hawai‘i Bengals flag. It’s amazing to see the support from Hawai‘i fans across the mainland.”
Iosivas and the Bengals (4-8) head to Dallas on Monday to face the Cowboys (5-7) and another Punahou alumnus, rookie linebacker Marist Liufau.
Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. HST, with the game televised on ESPN.