CHARGERS CB MOLDEN MARRIED TO CHAMORRITA

By Patrick Lujan

If you’re a San Diego Los Angeles Chargers fan, you will definitely want to hear this. Your free agent cornerback Elijah Molden? He’s married with two children to a Chamorrita – Danelle Talavera Molden.

“Our best off season acquisition, I love the guy!,” said uber Chargers fan Robert Balajadia.

After being told of the Guam connection, Balajadia said, “Even more reasons to root for him now, so cool!”

Unfortunately, Molden suffered a serious injury this past weekend against the New England Patriots, breaking his fibula in a 40-7 win that clinched a playoff berth. (More on that to follow)

GUAM CONNECTION

The Guam connection stems from Danelle’s mother, Danette Talavera, a 1985 graduate from GW who grew up in Mongmong-Toto.

After leaving the island right after high school, Danette graduated from Seattle University in 1989, the area she has since settled (Kirkland, Wash).

Danette would birth two children: Danelle in 1998 and Ryan in 2001.

COLLEGE BOND

Fast forward two decades when Danelle was in college, attending Washington State University.

Danelle would meet Elijah through social media – Molden being a star player for the Washington Huskies almost five hours away in Seattle.

His roommate Salvon Ahmed, also in the NFL, was a good friend of Danelle at Juanita High School in Kirkland. (Ahmed played four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and has been on the Broncos and Colts practice squads this season)

Through the help of Ahmed, the pair started dating in July 2018. She would go on to study abroad in Barcelona for a year, extending the long-distance relationship even further.

It was in 2018 when Danelle first introduced her new BF to her mom, and the first impression was a good one. “A very polite and humble young gentleman,” the mom remembers.

NFL CAREER

Molden would go on to be the 100th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft (3rd round) by the Tennessee Titans. This past August, he was traded to the Chargers, where he’s had a great season for his new team up until the injury.

After his rookie season, the love birds would get married in March 2022 and welcome their first child Rue exactly a year later. They just welcomed their second child Soleil Myla this past November 26.

The last time Danelle visited Guam was in 2017, prior to meeting Elijah, but the mom says, “She would like to take him to Guam.”

GSPN was able to get a few questions in with the NFL cornerback.

GSPN: How much of Guam have you/do you share with Danelle?

EM: Not a ton. It’s a place we have always wanted to go together but with young kids, it’s hard to find the time. But the first picture I saw of Danelle on social media before we ever met in person was her on the beach in Guam.

GSPN: Have you discussed visiting Guam with her?

EM: Yes, but I think it’s something that will need to be done once our kids get old enough to handle an all-day travel day.

GSPN: Would you be willing to do a football camp for our Guam kids?

EM: 100%, but I would want to take my family with me.

GSPN: What is your favorite CHamoru dish?

EM: Finadene marinated chicken thighs and crispy rice.

GSPN: How hard is it for a young family to be living the NFL life?

EM: We have a great support system with both of our families helping out, although having a baby in season has been challenging. I’m not home often during season, but in the off-season we will have so much time together.

GSPN: Is it as ‘glamourous’ as most people think?

EM: Maybe for some players who don’t have kids and travel super often, or for players who have huge contracts. For us, life is pretty simple. We are blessed to have what we have financially and it gives us freedom, but our lives are ordinary.

NEW FANS

Now that we know a NFL player is married to a Chamorrita, there will be a new pool of Guam fans rooting for the Chargers, or whatever team Elijah Molden plays for.

With the misfortunes of a serious injury, it will be a long road to recovery, but the well wishes are abound all the way from Guam.

GUAM CHARGERS FANS SEND BEST WISHES

“As a die hard Chargers fan, I was excited to find out that one of our key players on defense is married to a Chamorrita! He’s made huge stops and turnovers all year. Even though his season ended early, we appreciate everything he has done to help get our team in the playoffs. Bolt up!” – Sherwin Paet

“He sounds like a smart guy. Smart for playing for the Chargers but even smarter for being married to a Chamorrita. I think it’s pretty cool for the Charger family to have Guam roots. We all wish the Molden family a speedy recovery from his injury, and continued success in his NFL career. GO BOLTS!” – Mike Willess

“I’m super bummed Elijah won’t be with us during our playoff run because he played a big part in the Bolts getting there. The defense has seen a complete 180 from last season and a big part of that appears to be chemistry with how much our guys trust each other. Elijah always appeared to be at the right place at the right time, whether it be an interception or fumble recovery, showing his high level of awareness. We’re going to miss that in the post season, but I hope he’s enjoying being a Bolt as much as we enjoy having him here! Wishing him a speedy recovery so we can see him wreak havoc next season!” – Robert Balajadia