Pio Sagapolutele Explained

Pio Sagapolutele
Number:75, 99
Position:Defensive tackle
Defensive end
Birth Date:November 28, 1969
Birth Place:American Samoa
Death Place:Chandler, Arizona, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:6
Weight Lb:297
College:San Diego State
Draftyear:1991
Draftround:4
Draftpick:85
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Tackles
Statvalue1:119
Statlabel2:Sacks
Statvalue2:7.0
Pfr:S/SagaPi20

Pio Alika Sagapolutele (November 28, 1969 – June 7, 2009) was a Samoan professional football defensive tackle who played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cleveland Browns,[2] the New England Patriots, and the New Orleans Saints. He was selected by the Browns in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL draft.[3] He started in Super Bowl XXXI for the New England Patriots. He played college football at San Diego State University.

He was born in American Samoa and grew up in Kalihi Hawaii he lived in Kuhio Park Terrance (KPT). He attended Marynoll High school and played football for PAC-5 where they won the state championship in 1985. He had 3 children, Pio Jr, Malia and Sky. Pio died of an aneurysm on June 7, 2009, in Chandler, Arizona, where he lived.[4] [5] Following his death his wife sued the National Football League and football helmet maker Riddell Inc. alleging that his death was caused by brain injuries.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Transactions . NFL.com . 11 October 2024.
  2. Web site: Former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele dead at age 39 . Browns . 8 June 2009 . 6 January 2022.
  3. Web site: 1991 NFL Draft Listing . 2023-05-07 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  4. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9662458/Sagapolutele,-Pats-Super-Bowl-team-starter,-dead Sagapolutele, Pats Super Bowl team starter, dead
  5. Web site: Former Patriots DT Pio Sagapolutele dies at the age of 39 . New England Patriots . 8 June 2009 . 6 January 2022.
  6. Web site: Widow of Pio Sagapolutele is suing NFL & Riddell over 'wrongful' death . Samoa News . 27 February 2017 . 6 January 2022.