Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Lucky Finau, BYU running back whose journey exemplifies resilience and faith. When a mass tumor on his heart nearly ended his football dreams before they began, Lucky faced emergency surgery that broke his sternum and ribs just weeks before fall camp, forcing him to redshirt his first year at BYU.

For months during his mission in Birmingham, Alabama, he couldn't breathe properly and lost his voice for nearly a year, unaware that his heart condition was slowly stealing his strength. Now fully recovered and entering his third "freshman" year, Lucky has become the spark plug of BYU's locker room, bringing infectious joy and authentic energy that unites players from diverse backgrounds and faiths.

As the nephew of head coach Kalani Sitaki and cousin of PGA Tour star Tony Finau, Lucky understands both the pressure and privilege of his position, wearing number 45 - the same number once worn by his position coach Harvey Unga and host Mike Lacey.

Through stories of serving a mission in "Roll Tide" country where he used Alabama football to connect with locals, navigating the complexities of NIL while maintaining team unity, and switching from linebacker to running back to help the team, Lucky demonstrates how gratitude and brotherhood create championship culture. His message resonates beyond football: someone always has it worse, so stay grateful for what you have, keep working toward your dreams, and surround yourself with teammates who lift you up when discouragement creeps in.

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Video Chapters:

00:00 - Opening

0:42 - Meet Lucky Finau

1:10 - Third Freshman Year Explained

1:36 - Heart Tumor Discovery and Surgery

2:40 - Mission Health Struggles

4:02 - Surgery Before Fall Camp

4:46 - Recovery with Coach T

5:11 - Family Connections to Tony Finau

6:02 - Uncle Kalani Sitaki Relationship

7:03 - Locker Room Personality

8:13 - Team Chemistry and Authenticity

9:24 - Running Back vs Fullback Role

10:52 - Running Back Depth Chart

12:21 - Team Unity Across Cultures

14:44 - Religious Diversity and Acceptance

16:34 - Coach Sitaki's Tradition

17:44 - NIL Era and Team Dynamics

20:35 - Birmingham Alabama Mission

22:34 - Roll Tide Connection Stories

24:52 - Mission Companions from Team

25:32 - Personal and Team Aspirations

27:35 - Gary Bohanon's Leadership

29:40 - Transfer Portal Impact

33:26 - Message to Cougar Nation

34:58 - Gratitude and Perspective

36:38 - Team Service to Community

36:45 - Closing Thoughts