Top 5 NFL Samoans

#5 Jesse Sapolu

#61 for the Niners isn’t exactly one of the greats that gets mentioned in San Francisco dynasty discussions. I’m sure if you asked Steve Young or that Montana dude what he meant, you would probably get some high praise for J-Sap. He opened up holes for Ricky Watters and Roger Craig, protected the above Hall-of-Famers, and helped the Gold Rushers to four Super Bowl Championships, while picking up two Pro Bowls and and two All-Pro selections.

#4 Mark Tuinei

One of the Boys that complimented the Aikman, Novacek, Emmitt, Irvin era in Dallas. His Wiki page calls him “Gentle Giant.” Tuinei was on three Super Bowl squads, two Pro-Bowl teams, and named an All-Pro twice. Protecting Aikman’s blind side and paving the way for the NFL’s All-Time leading rusher were no small feats. Tragically, Tuinei died in 1999 of drug overdose and we ask that he Rest-In-Peace.

#3 Lofa Tatupu

Since bursting onto the scene in Seattle in 05, this Seahawk has made his home away from home in Honolulu. Perennially among the league leaders in tackles in his short career, Lofa is described in the video as “relentless.” That’s a pretty good quality to have at linebacker. Can’t hurt that he came from a football family. His father, Mosi, played fullback in a Pro Bowl and the 85 Super Bowl for the Pats.

#2 Troy Polamalu

Recognized by the hair (like many Samoans), known by his play. He’s a terror on the field and it’s quite obvious the Steelers miss him right now. Check the reels:

#1 Junior Seau

One of the toughest competitors in NFL history, a legend at USC, a great guy on and off the field. Seau is what every guy on this list and every other Samoan wants to be. He is the benchmark. Nine All Pros and twelve Pro Bowls and success into his late 30s. He’s a surefire Hall of Famer.

*Honorable Mentions: Dan Saleaumua, Luther Elliss, Mosi Tatupu, Esera Tuaolo, The Headshrinkers