When it comes to the Fitzgerald brothers, football is more than a game—it’s a family tradition. At San Mateo High School, these three brothers are building a legacy of excellence on and off the field, guided by their deep-rooted faith, family values, and unrelenting work ethic.

A Family Grounded in Faith

The Fitzgerald family’s foundation is built on their Christian faith, which influences every aspect of their lives. Emmanuel and Yianni both credit their beliefs as a source of strength and guidance, shaping their dedication to football, academics, and community service. Faith is not just a part of their identity—it’s the driving force behind their resilience and commitment to excellence.

Inspired by Their Father

Aaron Fitzgerald, their father, has been a pivotal figure in their lives. A former multi-sport athlete in high school and college, Aaron instilled the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance in his sons. His influence is evident in how Emmanuel, Yianni, and Lukas approach the game and life with determination and purpose. Aaron’s example has set the standard for what it means to be a leader, both on and off the field.

Dominating on the Field

The 2024 season was a banner year for the Fitzgerald brothers, each excelling in their respective roles:

Emmanuel Fitzgerald (RB/OLB, Class of 2025): Emmanuel rushed for an impressive 1,331 yards, scored nine touchdowns, and averaged 7.6 yards per carry. His hard work earned him Offensive Player of the Year and Running Back of the Year honors in the PAL Ocean Division.

Yianni Fitzgerald (LB/RB/K, Class of 2026): Yianni anchored the defense with 97 tackles, three touchdowns, and a career-high 16-tackle game. He was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year and Linebacker of the Year in the PAL Ocean Division, along with earning First Team All-League Kicker.

Lukas Fitzgerald (QB/DB, Class of 2026): As a sophomore, Lukas stepped up to varsity, showing his versatility as both a quarterback and defensive back. Playing alongside his older brothers, Lukas brought skill, poise, and determination to the field, adding another layer of strength to the Bearcats' roster.

Their collective impact extends beyond the stat sheet, embodying teamwork and family unity in every play.

Brotherhood on the Gridiron

While their individual achievements are remarkable, the experience of playing together as brothers makes their journey even more special. The bond they share—both as siblings and teammates—creates an unparalleled sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s Emmanuel breaking through the defense, Yianni making game-changing tackles, or Lukas leading the offense, the Fitzgerald brothers inspire each other to push harder and aim higher.

Their favorite memory? Beating their rival, the Burlingame Panthers, this past season. Emmanuel led the charge with 247 rushing yards and three touchdowns, a performance that will be remembered as a highlight of the Bearcats' season.

Excellence Beyond Football

The Fitzgerald brothers' contributions don’t end on the field:

Community Service: Emmanuel and Yianni volunteer as referees for youth soccer and girls’ flag football, while also participating in their church’s events.

Academic Success: Emmanuel holds a 3.97 high school GPA and a 4.25 GPA this semester, while Yianni boasts a 4.14 GPA this semester and a cumulative 3.96 GPA.

Hobbies: The brothers share passions for weightlifting, philosophy, woodworking, and video games, showcasing their well-rounded nature.

The Future Awaits

Each brother has big aspirations for the future. Emmanuel dreams of attending schools like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Berkeley, or Stanford, while Yianni has his eyes set on programs like the University of Florida or Texas. Lukas, with two more years to develop his craft, is poised to follow in their footsteps and continue the family legacy of excellence.

Follow the Fitzgerald Brothers Stay connected with the Fitzgerald brothers on social media:

Emmanuel: Instagram: @06.emmanuel_ | Twitter: @EmmanuelFi92460

Yianni: Instagram: @yiannifitz | Twitter: @yiannifitzgerald2008

The Fitzgerald brothers are living proof of the power of family, faith, and football. As they continue to shine on and off the field, Hammers Elite Athletics is proud to spotlight their journey. Together, they remind us of the philosophy we hold dear:

"In Football, You’re Either the HAMMER or the Nail."