American Samoan football player (1969–2009)
American football player
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]
References
^ "Transactions" . NFL.com . Retrieved October 11, 2024 .
^ "Former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele dead at age 39" . Browns. June 8, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2022 .
^ "1991 NFL Draft Listing" . Pro-Football-Reference.com . Retrieved May 7, 2023 .
^ 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. June 8, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2022 .
^ "Widow of Pio Sagapolutele is suing NFL & Riddell over 'wrongful' death" . Samoa News. February 27, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2022 .