In this episode of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast, host Roy Kessel talks with Sae Tautu, former BYU and New Orleans Saints player and founder of The Pursuit Foundation. Sae shares his inspiring journey from his early football and rugby days in Utah and Hawaii to life after the NFL, where he transformed his passion for sports into a mission to support injured youth athletes. Through The Pursuit Foundation’s partnership with Orthoathlete, Sae is providing access to elite, data-driven medical care and rehabilitation — removing financial barriers for young athletes in need. He also discusses perseverance, life beyond the game, and his bold vision to expand the foundation’s impact nationwide.
Sae Tautu
Sae Tautu is a former BYU and New Orleans Saints football player who grew up in Alpine, Utah, immersed in a family and culture that valued athletics and perseverance. A standout in football, wrestling, and rugby, he carried his passion for competition to Brigham Young University, where he became a key defensive leader for the Cougars. His dream of playing professionally came true when he signed with the New Orleans Saints, but an early injury ended his NFL career and set him on a new path of service and impact.
Motivated by his own recovery experience and an awareness of the financial barriers that many young athletes face, Tautu founded The Pursuit Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping injured athletes access elite orthopedic care and data-driven rehabilitation. Partnering with OrthoAthlete, the organization connects student-athletes with top surgeons and physical therapists, ensuring they receive the same level of care as professionals — regardless of financial limitations. His mission is rooted in compassion, resilience, and the belief that no athlete should be left behind due to the cost of recovery.
Beyond his work in sports medicine and philanthropy, Tautu continues to inspire through community events like the Charity of Champions, which brings together NFL players and supporters to raise funds for youth rehabilitation programs. His leadership emphasizes teamwork, faith, and purpose beyond the game — encouraging athletes to pursue excellence not only in competition but also in character and service. Through The Pursuit Foundation, Sae Tautu is redefining what it means to win — by helping others rise, recover, and thrive.
The Pursuit Foundation
The Pursuit Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field for injured athletes by providing access to world-class orthopedic care, innovative rehabilitation, and performance-driven recovery — regardless of an individual’s financial situation. Originally founded to help athletes stay in the game rather than just get to the starting line, Pursuit partners with clinical experts and the OrthoAthlete platform to connect individuals with trusted providers, up-to-date medical techniques, and data-informed physical therapy.
Athletes seeking support can apply through a streamlined process: after setting up a profile in the OrthoAthlete app, they undergo evaluation and submit an application for financial assistance and care. Pursuit currently serves regions including Utah, southeastern Idaho, and southwestern Wyoming, with plans to expand its reach as demand grows. The foundation also champions education and advocacy around the gaps in health care that impede athletic recovery — especially the high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and outdated treatment practices that too often leave developing athletes behind.
Beyond individual care, the foundation advances community engagement and awareness through initiatives like the “Charity of Champions,” where NFL players and local supporters unite to fund scholarships, surgeries, rehab, and performance services. Fueled by donor support and a growing network of medical partners, The Pursuit Foundation strives to ensure that every athlete has the support they need to heal, perform, and thrive beyond setback.
0:02 – 1:07 | Early Inspiration and Family Influence
Sae Tautu shares how his passion for sports began with his father’s college football career at Snow College and the University of Utah. From a young age, football became a central part of his life, and by age five he dreamed of becoming a professional player.
1:08 – 3:27 | Growing Up in Sports
He recalls playing multiple sports—football, basketball, baseball, and rugby—throughout childhood. Rugby, in particular, became a major passion because of its freedom and physicality, helping him grow as an athlete while his parents’ belief in his dreams gave him confidence.
3:28 – 5:37 | High School Journey and First Opportunities
Sae describes transferring between three high schools in Hawaii and Utah, working hard to earn his spot each time. Despite having no college offers before senior year, he attended summer football camps where his determination caught the attention of coaches, leading to his first Division I offer from BYU.
5:38 – 8:48 | Hard Work, Vision, and Self-Belief
He explains how visualization and relentless effort differentiated him. Sae intentionally competed against top-ranked players at camps to gain exposure, focusing on creating a reality that matched his vision of being the best on the field.
8:49 – 12:03 | College Football at BYU
Sae recounts his years at BYU, where he played linebacker and defensive end under coaches like Kalani Sitake. Competing against powerhouse programs such as Notre Dame and Texas, he learned from elite teammates like Kyle Van Noy and Fred Warner, developing leadership and resilience.
12:04 – 14:59 | NFL Experience and Lessons from the Pros
After college, Sae signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. Though a knee injury ended his career early, the experience taught him how elite athletes train, prepare, and care for their bodies—insights that shaped his post-football path.
15:00 – 17:35 | Birth of The Pursuit Foundation
Facing the challenges of retirement, Sae found new purpose by founding The Pursuit Foundation to help young athletes access high-quality orthopedic care. Partnering with OrthoAthlete, the nonprofit bridges the gap between cost and care, ensuring no injured athlete is left behind.
17:36 – 20:30 | Mission and Motivation
He explains how his background in football and medical-device sales uniquely positioned him to guide athletes through recovery. Having lived the physical and emotional toll of injuries, Sae focuses on easing both the financial and mental burden for others.
20:31 – 24:46 | Expanding Impact and Cutting-Edge Care
Sae outlines his goal to expand beyond Utah into more states. He highlights the importance of advanced surgical techniques, biologic treatments like PRP and stem cells, and data-driven physical therapy for faster, safer recoveries.
24:47 – 29:11 | Leadership, Community, and Future Vision
Closing the conversation, Sae discusses his dream of growing The Pursuit Foundation nationwide, his admiration for the Premier League’s promotion-relegation model as a hypothetical NFL reform, and his commitment to helping athletes “pursue something bigger” on and off the field.
