When you see a guy like Jahlani Tavai flying around the field for the New England Patriots, it’s easy to forget there’s a whole life happening behind the helmet. Honestly, most fans just see the tackles. But lately, the conversation around the linebacker has shifted toward something way more personal. It’s about his partner, Kalei Mau, a woman who is essentially a powerhouse in her own right.
You’ve probably seen the headlines. They’ve been through a lot recently. It hasn't been just about football; it’s been about survival, grief, and a level of resilience that honestly makes a goal-line stand look like light work.
Who is Kalei Mau?
Kalei Mau isn't just "the wife" or a "partner" in the background. She is a world-class athlete. If you follow international volleyball, you know exactly who she is. Born in Hawaii, she’s a heavy-hitting outside hitter who has dominated in leagues from Puerto Rico to France and the Philippines.
She’s actually a superstar for the Philippine national team. She’s got this incredible energy—super vocal, physically dominant on the court, and deeply connected to her roots. People call her "The Filipino-American Sensation," and it’s not just hype. In 2019, she was the MVP of the Philippine Superliga. Basically, Jahlani isn't the only one in the house with a trophy case.
A Relationship Built on Strength
The two of them together? It’s a literal power couple. They share a deep connection to their island heritage—Jahlani with his Samoan roots and Kalei with her Hawaiian upbringing.
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They also share a daughter, Honua, who was born in November 2024. If you follow them on social media, you’ve seen the photos. It’s all about Ohana. But at the end of 2025, their family faced a crisis that most of us can’t even wrap our heads around.
The Tragic Loss of Ka ua
In late 2025, Jahlani missed some time on the field. At first, the team just called it "personal reasons." We later found out the heartbreaking truth.
Kalei had contracted an extremely rare and aggressive blood infection. It happened fast. One minute she was six months pregnant with their second daughter, and the next, she was unresponsive in her bed. She was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma for six days.
While she was unconscious, the unthinkable happened. The infection spread to her placenta, and their unborn daughter, whom they named Ka ua (meaning "the rain" in Hawaiian), passed away in the womb.
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The Miracle and the Mourning
There is a part of this story that sounds like something out of a movie, but it’s 100% real. While Kalei was still in that coma, her body went into natural labor. Jahlani was right there. He watched his partner deliver their daughter while she was completely unconscious. He later told her it was like her body just knew what to do.
Kalei eventually woke up. She had to process the fact that she had been on the brink of death and that their baby was gone. She later shared that the day she left the hospital, it started to rain. To her, it was a sign. Ka ua was with her.
What Jahlani Tavai and Kalei Mau Are Doing Now
Recovery isn't just physical. It’s emotional. Kalei has been incredibly open about her journey, using her platform to talk about the "testimony" of her life. She’s not just a volleyball player anymore; she’s a voice for mothers who have dealt with stillbirth and medical trauma.
Jahlani, meanwhile, has been the rock. The Patriots organization really stepped up too. When he returned to the field, his teammates were wearing his number in warmups, and coach Mike Vrabel even named him a captain for his first game back.
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- Family First: They are focusing heavily on their daughter Honua.
- Advocacy: Kalei continues to lead her "Kaleihulu Health" initiative.
- Education: She’s even been pursuing studies at Harvard Business School (started in 2023).
Real Talk on Resilience
You’ve gotta admire the way they’ve handled this. Most people would crumble. Instead, they’ve turned their private pain into a way to connect with others.
If you’re looking for a "happily ever after" story, this is a more complicated version. It’s a story about choosing to keep going when things get dark. It’s about the fact that Jahlani Tavai is a great linebacker, but he’s an even better partner.
Practical Takeaway:
If you or someone you know is navigating the loss of a child or a medical crisis, the way Kalei and Jahlani leaned on their community is a blueprint. Don't go through it alone. Reach out to organizations like Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support or local bereavement groups. Support from a "village"—whether that's an NFL locker room or your own neighborhood—makes the impossible a little more bearable.
Keep an eye on Kalei Mau’s social media for updates on her return to the volleyball court. She’s proven she’s a fighter, and her journey back to elite sport will likely be just as inspiring as her recovery.