Mission Viejo's Hinesward Lilomaiava named by late father, who loved Steelers' Hines Ward

When Hinesward Lilomaiava talks about his name, it's a conversation he's all too familiar with.

"When I first saw his name, I just thought his last name was Ward and his first name was Hines," Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said laughing. "But then I saw his last name and knew it was going to be a mouthful for four years."

Another day, another explanation for Lilomaiava, a junior running back at Mission Viejo.

"It's mostly older people – especially men – they see my name and ask, 'Like the football player?'"

The answer is yes.

"My father was a huge Steelers fan. He loved Hines Ward," Lilomaiava said. "My dad named me after him."

Lilomaiava has a 15-year-old brother named Troy, who's named after Steeler great Troy Polamalu.

The question will follow Lilomaiava his whole life, being named after the former NFL wide receiver, Hines Ward, who spent his entire career playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, it's more than a light conversation to Lilomaiava. Despite addressing the often-asked question with a smile and chuckle, it is a reminder of what he's lost.

"My father passed away," the 17-year-old Lilomaiava said. "I'm very proud of the name my father gave me."

Lilomaiava's father, Matthew, died of a heart attack in 2016.

"It makes talking about my name emotional," Lilomaiava said. "I have a tattoo of my father on my left forearm to honor him."

Lilomaiava has some memories of watching the Steelers with his dad. But no memories of watching Hines Ward in particular. Ward retired from the NFL in 2011 when Lilomaiava was just five years old. But with the internet, he can watch Ward's highlights whenever he wants.

"I've watched a lot of highlights of Hines Ward on Youtube," said Lilomaiava while laughing. "He was a nasty player; I love watching his stuff. He played so physical."

If you watched Lilomaiava play, his play style is very similar, living up to the bill of his name. The 5-foot-10, 220-pound running back has rushed for 405 yards and five touchdowns in two games.

"He should have been named Jerome Bettis," Johnson said. "Most players run away from tacklers, Hinesward runs through tackles. He's a little bus."

Lilomaiava went for 175 yards and two scores against Long Beach Poly on September 1.

"I feel like I have to play physical because of my name," Lilomaiava said. "There's a built-in expectation."

Lilomaiava says most people just call him Hines. He's been playing football since he was six years old. His mother is involved in the football program at Mission Viejo, according to Johnson.

"She's awesome. They're a great Polynesian family," Johnson added.