There has been a lot of talk this offseason about the culture and team chemistry at Florida State, with most of the discussion coming after dangerous rhetoric from national commentators after the Seminoles were wrongfully excluded from the College Football Playoff last December.
But it’s a new year and a new team, which means it’s time to put some of those stories to rest (or at least bury them). Florida State starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei did just that when he gave each of his new teammates an amazing gift and a special message at the start of the first week of play of the 2024 season.
READ MORE: Robert Griffin III fired by ESPN after defending Florida State
On Monday, the Seminoles received custom Beats headphones from Uiagalelei. Along with the gift, the veteran quarterback pinned a message to each player: “I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to go to war with. I’m grateful to be a Seminole and part of the brotherhood!!! – DJ”
Uiagalelei was one of 15 college stars to sign NIL deals with Beats By Dre last fall. Jordan Travis was also part of that group, gifting Florida State 2023 custom headphones. Uiagalelei’s similar gesture says a lot about him as a player and a person, considering he only arrived in Tallahassee in January.
Impressive!#FSU QB DJ Uiagalelei gifted the team special Beats headphones.
Uiagalelei also left a message for every Seminole: “I couldn’t ask for a better group to go to war with. I am grateful to be a Seminole and part of the Brotherhood!!! #keepclimbing – DJ” 🔥#Nos pic.twitter.com/axcRI9QhH3
— Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG) 19 August 2024
In a short time, Uiagalelei has done his part on the field and in the locker room to win over his teammates. His elegance and character were on full display at Florida State. Over the summer, Uiagalelei hosted a throwing session with veteran players on the West Coast. He also turned down an invitation to the ACC Kickoff to instead give the Seminoles, who were on last year’s championship team, a chance to shine.
Several players took to social media to thank Uiagalelei for the gift. It’s clear that he has taken on a leadership role at Florida State on a roster that will include 40 new players in 2024 (23 high school students, 17 transfers).
The Seminoles are the third team Uiagalelei has played for in the last three years. He was a five-star prospect out of high school and signed with Clemson in 2020. Uiagalelei spent three seasons with the Tigers before transferring to Oregon State last year. He had arguably his best season at the collegiate level with the Beavers, where he completed 180/315 passes (57/1%) for 2,638 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing 68 times for 219 yards and six touchdowns.
Uiagalelei has appeared in 48 games, including 40 starts, completing 695/1176 passes for 8,319 yards with 57 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He has also rushed 343 times for 1,132 yards and 21 more scores. Uiagalelei was named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watchlist, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watchlist and the Maxwell Award Watchlist this preseason.
READ MORE: Former FSU football star and Super Bowl champion signs with Houston Texans
Stay with NoleMatchday for more FREE coverage of the Florida State football game throughout the 2024 season
Follow NoleGameday on and Þjórsárdalur, on facebook., Instagram, And TikTok
• FSU Football Fall Camp Observations: Passing game continues to improve as preseason draws to a close
• Observations from the FSU football team’s fall camp: The offense strikes back with strong performance from the wide receivers
• FSU Football Fall Camp Observations: Kevin Knowles Leads DBs’ Competitive Attack
• Observations at FSU Football Fall Camp: The offense reacts, but the defense continues to compete
