3
Oct
2009
Samoan NFL Players have bigger things to play for right now
By ArtieFufkin
Maualuga, Polamalu, Peko and Tatupu (clockwise from top-L)
We had been writing an article for the past couple of weeks now about the influx of Samoan talent in the NFL lately. Athletes like Junior Seau, Lofa Tatupu, Troy Polamalu and rookie Rey Maualuga have all put their stamp on the game, and you can’t help but notice the recent trend in the league of large gentlemen flying around the field with long locks of hair overflowing from their helmets.
There are currently over 30 NFL players with ties to Samoa (5 of whom were born there), and all of them are reeling after a tsunami hit the area on Tuesday, claiming over 170 lives. So while most players are doing last minute preparation for tomorrow’s games, these players were briefed today on the status of recovery and relief in their homeland.
“There’s a lot more Samoans in the NFL now, and it hit a lot of us, it really hit home,” said Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko, an American Samoa native, following a briefing with Federal Emergency Management Agency and Red Cross officials. “We’re real concerned, and we’re going to do all we can to raise as much money as we can to help out the people of Samoa.” He encouraged people to go the Red Cross Web site to aid victims of Tuesday’s earthquake and tsunami.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai mourned the deaths of at least two relatives in the Samoas this week – and feared the family toll could get worse.
Clearly, these players have bigger things on their mind this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, and those affected by this tragedy.
CONTINUE READING AFTER THE JUMP FOR MORE FACTS ABOUT SAMOANS IN THE NFL
A few more facts about Samoans and football from NFL.com:
- In the last five years, 15 percent of boys playing football for the Samoa Island’s six high schools have earned football scholarships from American universities, according to a recent Washington Post report.
- It has been estimated that a Samoan boy is 40 times more likely to reach the NFL than a boy growing up in the United States.
- There are an estimated half million Samoans in the world, and more than 200 play Division I college football.
There were four native-born American Samoans on opening-day rosters in the NFL this season: Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko, Bengals defensive end Jonathan Fanene, Dolphins defensive tackle Pail Soliai, and 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga. Other players of American Samoan descent currently in the NFL include Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupa, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, and Jets quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo.
yea keep it up uso with good work samoa 4 life
it would be nice if the media focused on all polynesian players not just the Samoans. There are tongans, some Hawai’ians and other poly players, not just Samoans, playing Div.! football AND the NFL.
Samoans and/or Tongans, such as Harold Ngata, all are fiercely competitive on the field. Nevertheless, I love watching pacific islanders in any professional sports. Pacific Islanders are the most athletic individuals that walks the earth. Can you imagine the PI playing baseball…nevermind Barry Bond and his homeruns..and so call steroids. The missing ingredient for baseball are the Pacific Islanders…and their natural taroids.
Tino… Yes there are Tongans in the league… But the reason they focus on Samoans is cause were better than you. Muli face!
That’s OK Tino. Anyone that’s into football knows you too as Samoans.Maybe they know about our HISTORY and how all factions of Polynesian were originally from the Samoan Culture and it’s people.It doesn’t make you less of a human being.It just means your Samoan too and don’t know it. That’s why the Samoan history goes back a lot further then any other Polynesian tribe.Yeah,even the Maorians and the Hawaiians too.So my brotheren! Don’t be offended.Be proud!One Polynation under God! Together as one UCE! You r’ us! It’s not about who’s better. It’s about us rooting together. BOO-YA TRIBE ! YOU already know!