Alama-Francis was born to former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback and former high school football coach Joseph "Joe" Francis[3] and Rolenda "Ku'ulei" Alama-Francis. He has three older half-brothers from Joe Francis's first wife and two older brothers from Joe's second wife, Kuulei.[citation needed] His much older brother is Jon Francis, who played running back for the Los Angeles Rams.[4] Another child, Makana, joined the family after Ikaika went to college.[4][5] While playing basketball and volleyball for Kalaheo High School, he made the All-State High School basketball and volleyball teams his junior and senior years.[1]
College career
Even though he was recruited to play basketball for New Mexico and Portland State, Alama-Francis started his career at Hawaii after graduating from high school in 2002 as a walk on to the Warrior basketball team.[6] He played forward mostly at the end of games that were already decided.[5]
Alama-Francis decided to try out for the football team during spring training after his first and only season with Warrior Basketball. The elder Francis was a bit skeptical due to Alama-Francis relatively small size and lack of experience with football physicality as a basketball player. Even though Warrior coach June Jones offered Alama-Francis a scholarship coming out of high school with no high school playing experience, Alama-Francis and his father, Joe Francis, refused the offer because they did not feel that Alama-Francis was ready. The elder Francis told the coach that his son needed to earn the scholarship.[7][8]
Alama-Francis gained 70 pounds over the years to build his 190-pound frame to 260 pounds. He also worked on building his strength and football defensive end knowledge to become a starter his junior and senior year. At the beginning of Alama-Francis' senior year, he was chosen by Coach Jones to represent the University of Hawaii at media day for the Western Athletic Conference at the start of the 2006 season.[5] In his 26 starts at Hawaii he had a total of 112 tackles (62 solos) with 10 sacks.[9]
Professional career
Detroit Lions
During the 2007 mini-camp, Alama-Francis could not participate in team organized activities due to a pectoral muscle tear suffered during the Hula Bowl.[10] Instead he worked with head Coach Rod Marinelli and the defensive coaching staff on developing his skills. Alama-Francis impressed the coaches and teammates with his work ethic and positive demeanor.[11]
Alama-Francis remained inactive for 10 of the first 12 games of the season. In the 4 games he played in, he recorded 12 tackles.
For the 2008 season, Alama-Francis switched his uniform number from 91 to 97, after the departure of Boss Bailey who had previously worn 97.
Alama-Francis was released from the team on September 6, 2009.[12]
Miami Dolphins
Alama-Francis was signed by the Miami Dolphins on November 24, 2009[13] for a salary of $460,000.[14] The Dolphins tried changing his position from defensive end to outside linebacker. He competed with teammate Koa Misi for a starting position.[15]
In the 2010-2011 season, the Dolphins gave him a contract extension.[16]
San Francisco 49ers
On August 15, 2012, Alama-Francis was signed by the San Francisco 49ers to a one-year deal.[17]