The Hidden Meaning Behind Running Point Season 2’s Niko Mijailovic Tribute

Here’s something you might not have caught while binging Running Point Season 2 on Netflix: there’s a tribute in episode three that probably left a few people scratching their heads—unless you’re dialed into Los Angeles high school sports, or you have a sharp eye for on-screen memorials.

Who is Niko Mijailovic and Why is He in Running Point?

If you spotted the title card reading 'In Loving Memory of #6 Niko Mijailovic' and felt out of the loop, here’s what’s going on. Niko Mijailovic was a 15-year-old standout volleyball player at Campbell Hall, a private school in LA. He wore #6 on the varsity squad, played club ball, and was apparently one of those all-in athletes who live for the game.

Tragically, Niko died suddenly from cardiac arrest in April 2025—a total shock, since there weren’t any signs he was at risk. No one saw this coming. According to his family, he was the picture of health: active, into sports for his whole (albeit short) life, and a freshman already playing varsity.

How Running Point Got Involved

Here’s where the behind-the-scenes connection comes in. Some friends of Niko’s family happen to be involved with the production team on Running Point. At his memorial, Niko’s family mentioned that Running Point was actually the last show he watched. Word got to the show's creators, and they decided to honor him with a memorial card in the third episode—a small but very real nod that clearly means something to those who knew him.

'There was no warning, and as far as we knew, he was completely healthy. He was always active and played sports his entire life. He loved volleyball the most, playing both on his high school varsity team as a freshman, as well as playing club.'
- Mila Mijailovic, Niko's sister (via Huddle For Hearts)

If you’re wondering about the #6—that’s a reference to his volleyball jersey number. So, no, it’s not a sneaky Easter egg for a future plot twist or anything meta about the show.

What’s Happened Since

• Niko’s sister Mila (she’s now at Yale and also a volleyball player) has taken up the cause, working to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.
• She’s involved with a national initiative called Huddle For Hearts, pushing to educate and prevent these kinds of tragedies.
• The organization posted a video where Mila talks candidly about the shock of losing her brother and how SCA can affect kids with zero warning signs.

As for Running Point, all of Season 2 (including the episode with the tribute) is ready and waiting if you want to catch up—or if you just want to see how the show decided to quietly honor one of its fans.