Giants offensive guard Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa took some time to share his thoughts about football during a Q&A session.
Q: Your well-known quote from draft night, “I’ll die for Jaxson Dart.” What does that mean in terms of football?
A: That means I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him. It’s all about putting my body on the line so he can play without worry. Jaxson tends to make plays while running around, so I’m committed to going the extra mile—running downfield and blocking for him. Those moments really get me fired up.
Q: What’s your impression of Jaxson?
A: He’s serious, for sure. But in the locker room, he’s pretty chill. He jokes around and keeps things light. When it’s time to play or in meetings, he’s all business.
Q: Can you give me an example?
A: Sure, just the other day, the whole room was laughing about something, and he suddenly said, “Alright, back to work! We have to go over some important stuff. We can’t waste time joking around.”
Q: How would you describe his quarterbacking style?
A: He’s fantastic. He’s focused and knows his stuff. If someone messes up a route during practice, he’s quick to address it. He has great leadership skills.
Q: What’s the best feeling as an offensive lineman?
A: Dominating your opponent. When you impose your will on someone and they start to break, it’s the ultimate rush. It means I’m doing my job right.
Q: Can you see that in their eyes?
A: Absolutely. You can read it in their body language. If a guy usually bursts off the line but suddenly seems sluggish, that’s a sign. I recognize that from my college days, though I suspect it’s similar in the NFL.
Q: So you have a killer instinct?
A: Yeah, definitely.
Q: How would you define that instinct?
A: Red.
Q: Red?
A: Yeah, just seeing red. It doesn’t matter if it’s a star player; I’m ready to go. There’s a respect, but once the game starts, it’s all about winning.
Q: What’s it like allowing a sack?
A: It’s the absolute worst. You’re being paid to protect the quarterback, and failing at that is a heavy burden. It’s about trust. But I try to keep an even mindset—don’t dwell too much on mistakes and move on to the next play.
Q: What does mental toughness mean to you?
A: It’s about pushing through fatigue in the fourth quarter when you don’t want to move anymore. That’s when your mental strength really comes into play.
Q: And physical toughness?
A: Holding your ground during long drives, especially when fresh players come in. You have to maintain your technique and not slack off.
Q: What can you tell Giants fans about John Harbaugh?
A: He’s a tough, very traditional coach. He’s fun off the field, but on the field, there’s an intensity about him—his mantra is “Earn the Right.” It’s a reminder that you have to earn your place here.
Q: Is Jaxson ready for a leap in his second year?
A: Definitely. I have a lot of confidence in him and our system. We’ve got playmakers all around.
Q: What do you enjoy about the system?
A: It’s versatile. Coach Nags and Coach G-Ro are very strategic. They know how to call the right plays for specific situations.
Q: How would you describe this offensive line?
A: We’re prepared to dominate anyone who comes our way.
Q: Are you ready to play Bully Ball?
A: Absolutely. That’s the mentality we embrace.
Q: What about Jermaine Eluemunor?
A: He’s a funny guy but also very technical. His athleticism surprises me for his size.
Q: And Andrew Thomas?
A: He’s a beast and highly respected across the team.
Q: Jon Runyan Jr.?
A: Another technically sound player. His movements are always spot on.
Q: John Michael Schmitz?
A: Very intelligent.
Q: Can this become a top-10 offensive line?
A: That’s the target. Ideally, the top spot.
Q: Is that realistic?
A: We think so. I truly believe it.
Q: What do you think about facing rookie Cowboys safety Caleb Downs?
A: He’s talented. The trash talk doesn’t bother me. I’m excited to be a Giant and focused on dominating.
Q: If the Giants hadn’t selected you at 10, they might have chosen him. Were you aware?
A: If they hadn’t picked me, that would have been a mistake. It is what it is.
Q: Arvell Reese?
A: He’s really sharp and physically tough. He comes off the line strong and has great balance.
Q: Abdul Carter?
A: He’s very energetic. He plays in a striking way—it’s something you don’t see often.
Q: Brian Burns?
A: Just like Andrew, he’s earned respect everywhere he plays.
Q: Do you trash talk?
A: No.
Q: How do you feel if someone trash talks you?
A: I’m unfazed. On the field, it’s all about maintaining that intense mindset, but I’ll only trash talk if it’s my brother on the opposing team.
Q: Offensive linemen you admire?
A: In college, I looked up to Penei Sewell, Lane Johnson for his technique, Christian Darrisaw, and Taliese Fuaga. Nowadays, I keep an eye on Chris Lindstrom, Quenton Nelson, and Quinn Meinerz.
Q: You played with Cam Ward in college?
A: He’s going to be a standout, no doubt.
Q: You caught a backward pass from Carson Beck for a touchdown?
A: Yeah, there was a change in play call, so we were all disappointed. Luckily, a timeout saved the day, and we convinced the coach to let us run the play anyway.
Q: What motivates you?
A: My family. Growing up in American Samoa, where the minimum wage was low, I saw my parents work tirelessly to provide for us. There were nights we only had basic food. Their sacrifices drive me. Understanding why they worked so hard, especially since my dad often wasn’t home, pushes me to honor their struggle.
Q: When you said, “We grew up as warriors,” what did you mean?
A: Our high school mascot was a warrior, but it symbolizes how we earned everything. My parents sacrificed to send my brother and me to California, where we had to adapt quickly. Coming from a different background, we even lived with a host family.
Q: You played volleyball?
A: Yeah, that was our first sport. My parents met playing volleyball. They envisioned more for us, realizing volleyball might not lead to a stable future.
Q: Bryant McKinnie?
A: While at Miami, he was someone I looked up to and reached out to.
Q: Personal goals?
A: To be consistent and dominate.
Q: If you could have four dinner guests?
A: Jesus Christ, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Ryan Reynolds.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “The Blind Side.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Ryan Reynolds.
Q: Favorite comedian?
A: Jay Gillis.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: My mom’s sweet chili chicken.
Q: How will you feel before kickoff Sunday night in the tunnel?
A: It’s going to be surreal, marking my first NFL game. This is a moment people remember—it’s a statement game, and I know the trust the team has in me.
Q: What can you say about Giants fans?
A: They can be incredibly supportive and just as critical when things don’t go well.
Q: And you’re okay with that?
A: It motivates me. I believe in representing my family and community well, and I carry their pride with me on my back.
