Pio Alika Sagapolutele (November 28, 1969 – June 7, 2009) was an American football defensive tackle who played seven seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns,[1] the New England Patriots, and the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft.[2] He started in Super Bowl XXXI for the New England Patriots. He played college football at San Diego State University.
| No. 75, 99 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | November 28, 1969 American Samoa |
| Died: | June 7, 2009 (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 | |
| Career NFL statistics | |
| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |
He was born in American Samoa and died of an aneurysm on June 7, 2009, in Chandler, Arizona, where he lived.[3][4] 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.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele dead at age 39". Browns. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ "1991 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
- ^ Sagapolutele, Pats Super Bowl team starter, dead Archived 2009-06-11 at the Wayback Machine Associated Press
- ^ "Former Patriots DT Pio Sagapolutele dies at the age of 39". New England Patriots. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ "Widow of Pio Sagapolutele is suing NFL & Riddell over 'wrongful' death". Samoa News. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2022.