Pio Sagapolutele

Pio Sagapolutele
No. 75, 99
Position:Defensive tackle
Defensive end
Personal information
Born:(1969-11-28)November 28, 1969
American Samoa
Died:June 7, 2009(2009-06-07) (aged 39)
Chandler, Arizona, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:297 lb (135 kg)
Career information
College:San Diego State
NFL draft:1991 / round: 4 / pick: 85
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:119
Sacks:7.0
Stats at Pro Football Reference

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 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]

  1. ^ "Transactions". NFL.com. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  2. ^ "Former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele dead at age 39". Browns. June 8, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  3. ^ "1991 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  4. ^ Sagapolutele, Pats Super Bowl team starter, dead Archived 2009-06-11 at the Wayback Machine Associated Press
  5. ^ "Former Patriots DT Pio Sagapolutele dies at the age of 39". New England Patriots. June 8, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  6. ^ "Widow of Pio Sagapolutele is suing NFL & Riddell over 'wrongful' death". Samoa News. February 27, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2022.