Former BYU football players gathered for a special alumni event at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a gathering that brought together athletes from five different decades, ranging from the 1980s to the 2020s. The event wasn’t just about reliving the glory days but also about fostering a sense of community and family among players, both old and new.
Lopini Katoa, a former BYU running back (2017-2022), expressed how much the event meant to him, calling it an opportunity to feel more involved with the program. “It was awesome. I love it, and I love the family and brotherhood that’s here,” Katoa said. He also noted that the event offered a chance for some players to reminisce and talk about how BYU alumni, including some NFL players, can share ideas about supporting their alma maters in a similar way.
The highlight of the event for many players came when Austin Collie, a former BYU standout, took the opportunity to draft Daniel as the No. 1 pick for a friendly game. Daniel recalled the exchange: “Austin told me I was starting and that he picked me first because it’s karma, and I was the only one out here who had won a national championship. I thought, ‘OK, I’ll take that.’”
While many of the players may not be in peak physical condition compared to their younger years, the competitive spirit was still alive and well. Daniel himself showed that the fire still burned brightly, making an impressive diving catch on a 39-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game. “I couldn’t drop that one,” Daniel said with a smile. “I promised my team I was going to get the first touchdown. It was so fun being back out here in the stadium you played in during college. You can’t beat it.”
The alumni game not only provided an opportunity for reunion but also played a crucial role in helping shape the future of the Cougar program. As Daniel put it, it’s important to show recruits that BYU football is about more than just the game—it’s about joining a supportive family that will always take care of its own. This event served as a reminder that the bond between players, no matter their era, remains strong and vital for the continued success of the program.