He played college football for the Utah Utes, and was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL draft.

[1][2] He is the younger brother of Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who also played football for the University of Utah and later entered the NFL.

Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, he was moved to offensive guard by coach Ron McBride.

[6] After the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, they re-signed Kemoeatu to a five-year contract.

His elder brothers Ma'ake and Tevita also attended Utah, playing defensive line.

His younger brother, Benji, signed to play guard for the West Virginia University Mountaineers but didn't actually attend.