DETROIT – Michigan Panthers running back Toa Taua has come a long way to reach the heights that he has in his young football career.
Taua has tallied up 365 yards on the ground and six touchdowns during the 2025 regular season for the Panthers, in which he played in seven games.
As a dual threat out of the backfield, the 25-year-old had nine receptions for 76 yards, with his longest catch going for 25 yards in those seven games to help lead the Panthers to the postseason.
In the playoffs, Taua toted the rock 21 times for 86 total yards and three touchdowns while snagging one catch for five yards in the Panthers’ 44-29 victory vs. the Birmingham Stallions in the USL Conference Championship on June 8.
“I was working at a golf course trying to find a way,” said Taua. “God’s timing is everything. When my number was called, I just so happened to be ready. Now we’re here, and it’s a blessing. Shoutout to God.”
Taua was a “golf cart boy” for a golf course as he was cleaning the clubs and driving carts to the golfers.
“I was just grabbing the carts and just seeing if they needed me to clean the clubs,” Taua said. “I was just trying to find a way. God’s timing is everything. There’s so many no’s told to me, and he told me that one yes, and I came, and I’m running with opportunity now.”
With the victory, the Panthers, who finished the regular season with a 6-4 record, advanced to the UFL Championship, where they will take on the D.C. Defenders on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in St. Louis.
Ahead of the matchup, Taua stopped by Local 4 to share his excitement about participating in his first championship game.
“This is actually my first time playing for a championship game,” Taua said. “I mean, I played in the YSL for a Super Bowl, but you know, those don’t really count too much. So yeah, this is my first championship game, and I’m ready to rock.”
Taua emphasized the importance of preparation when facing a high-powered team like the Stallions in the championship game, where he went off.
“You just got to make sure everything’s on point. It’s the way you prepare, the way you practice. And it starts up front,” Taua said. “Those guys up front, man, they are resilient. They prepare, they practice hard. They make everything that I do easy. All love to those guys.”
Reflecting on his journey, Taua described the challenges he faced after being cut by the Panthers and then making an impact.
“It’s been surreal, you know, but definitely a blessing,” Taua said. “When the game gets taken from you, it’s definitely challenging, but it shaped me in a lot of ways. I’m thankful for the ups and the downs.”
Looking ahead to the championship game, Taua expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I just like to focus on being where I’m at, being where my feet are,” Taua said. “We got a big game in front of us, a big championship game to go win, and that’s all I’m focused on right now.”
Taua also highlighted the significance of practice leading up to the game.
“It starts in practice this week,” Taua said. “You don’t just win games going into it. It starts that Monday, making sure we’re preparing and practicing hard. It’s going to take a team effort to win.”
As he prepares to face a formidable opponent, Taua remains optimistic.
“D.C. is a great team, and they’re sound on all cylinders. Special teams, defense, offense is powerful, and we’re going to have to answer. It’s going to be a dogfight,” Taua said. “I’m excited to go over there to St. Louis and put on a show.”
Catch Taua and the Panthers in action on Saturday in St. Louis as they’ll look to capture their first championship since winning the inaugural USFL season in 1983 when they take on the Defenders.
Kickoff is at 8 p.m.
Watch the full interview below