NFL Star Daniel Ekuale’s wife, Apolonia Calleja, redefines what it means to be a supportive partner.
Highlights
- Daniel Ekuale’s wife, Apolonia Calleja, is an accomplished fitness entrepreneur who owns and operates two successful businesses: LIV FIT gym and BABES Bootcamp.
- She promotes a holistic approach to fitness that emphasizes longevity and family values.
- Calleja advocates for a balanced approach to fitness that combines hard work with self-compassion.
Tanielu “Daniel” Ekuale has carved out a resilient career in the National Football League as a defensive tackle.
Born on January 13, 1994, in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Ekuale emerged as a standout football prospect from Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School.
His talent earned him a scholarship to Washington State University, where he developed into a formidable defensive presence over five seasons with the Cougars.
During his collegiate career, Ekuale accumulated 71 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks across 51 games.
Ekuale entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
After making his professional debut in 2019, he overcame early career obstacles, including injuries and a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
His NFL journey continued with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded his first career sack against Kirk Cousins during a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In 2021, Ekuale found a more stable home with the New England Patriots, initially joining their practice squad before earning opportunities on the active roster.
Despite facing another suspension at the beginning of the 2022 season, he persevered and re-signed with the Patriots in March 2023.
Unfortunately, a torn biceps injury in Week 3 of the 2023 season sent him to injured reserve, presenting yet another challenge in his determined professional journey.
Daniel Ekuale’s Wife, Apolonia Calleja, Balances Family, Fitness, And Entrepreneurship
Behind the success of Daniel Ekuale stands Apolonia Calleja, affectionately known as “Apples,” a dynamic fitness entrepreneur who has built her own impressive career while supporting her husband’s football journey.
As the owner of LIV FIT gym and BABES Bootcamp, Calleja has established herself as a prominent figure in the fitness industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles.
Calleja’s approach to fitness transcends physical appearance, embodying a holistic philosophy centered on longevity and vitality.
She often shares with her clients and followers,
“Being able to stay active and just move my body is a blessing.”
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Her passion for fitness intertwines deeply with her family values, as she emphasizes,
“I want to live a long life and be the best I can be for my son and future kids!”
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As a mother who has maintained her physical fitness through dedication and hard work, Calleja takes tremendous pride in her accomplishments.
She views the female body as remarkable and finds confidence in recognizing its capabilities and resilience.
This perspective shapes her unapologetic approach to celebrating her physical achievements, famously quipping,
“After all those squats, why skip the bikini? No way—I’m rocking it!”
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What distinguishes Calleja’s fitness philosophy is her emphasis on balance and self-compassion.
While committed to rigorous training, she advocates for treating oneself with kindness. She explains,
“With all the hard work, I do my best to still treat myself.”
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This balanced approach underpins her fitness coaching, where she encourages clients to
“work hard for a short time to enjoy the life you want without being miserable.”
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Calleja’s advice for women struggling with body image issues resonates with authentic empowerment:
“Stop comparing yourself to others and love on yourself!”
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She believes that personal progress, rather than comparison, leads to genuine self-confidence.
Her message emphasizes that consistency in healthy habits naturally cultivates self-love and body confidence.
While Ekuale competes on the football field, Calleja builds her fitness empire, with both showcasing resilience in their respective fields.
Their family life, centered around their son, reflects their commitment to creating a nurturing environment built on health, determination, and love.
Her journey alongside Ekuale demonstrates how couples can support each other’s individual passions while building a strong family foundation.
As Ekuale pursues his NFL career, Calleja stands as not merely “an NFL wife” but as an accomplished entrepreneur and fitness advocate in her own right.
Additional Information
- Ekuale was originally committed to play at Hawaii before changing his decision to attend Washington State University, choosing WSU over other offers from Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington.
- Daniel Ekuale and his wife, Apolonia Calleja, first met back on February 14, 2020.
- Apolonia’s son Koa turned 8 years old on November 1, 2024.
