Mosi Tatupu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mosi Tatupu | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Date of birth: | April 26, 1955 |
| Place of birth: | Pago Pago, American Samoa |
| Career information | |
| Position(s): | RB |
| Jersey №: | 30 |
| College: | Southern California |
| NFL Draft: | 1978 / Round: 7 / Pick 216 |
| Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 1978-1990 1991 |
New England Patriots Los Angeles Rams |
| Career highlights and Awards | |
| Pro Bowls: | 1 |
| Stats at DatabaseFootball.com | |
Mosiula Faasuka Tatupu (born April 26, 1955 in Pago Pago, American Samoa) is a former National Football League running back who played for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, in a fifteen-year career. His engagement with the Patriots lasted from 1978-1990. He made the Pro Bowl in 1986. Tatupu was a fan favorite in New England, and developed a cult following that called itself "Mosi's Mooses".
Mosi had many hits on special teams that forced a fumble. Mosi forced Reggie Smith to fumble the opening kickoff and Prentice McCray recovered it to help set up the Patriots 1st score (Don Hasselbeck 9 yd TD reception from Steve Grogan) in the Patriots 37-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons @ Schaefer Stadium on 09-14-80. Mosi forced a fumbled kickoff return by Nesby Glasgow, that Rick Sanford returned 22 yards for a TD, in the Patriots 47-21 win over the Baltimore Colts @ Schaefer Stadium on 11-23-80. Mosi smacked Sam Seale on his attempted kickoff return and Jim Bowman recovered the loose ball in the end zone for the game winning score in the Patriots 27-20 AFC Playoff Game win over the Los Angeles Raiders @ the LA Coliseum on 01-05-86.
Mosi returned a blocked punt 17 yards for a touchdown in the Patriots 21-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints @ the Superdome on 11-30-86.
Mosi recovered an onside kick by Al DelGreco to preserve the Patriots 26-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers @ Sullivan Stadium on 09-08-85.
Mosi recovered a fumbled punt return by Kurt Sohn in the Patriots 28-24 loss to the New York Jets @ Shea Stadium on 10-11-81. Mosi recovered a fumbled kickoff return by Bob Glazebrook in the Patriots 24-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons @ Fulton County Stadium on 10-30-83.
Mosi recovered an onside kick by Patriot Kicker Mike Hubach in the Patriots 38-34 loss to the Houston Oilers @ the Astrodome on 11-10-80.
Mosi tossed a 15 yard HB Option TD pass, on 4th down, to Tony Collins in the Patriots 26-23 comeback win over the Los Angeles Raiders @ Sullivan Stadium on 11-01-87.
Mosi was awarded a game ball in the Patriots 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts @ Sullivan Stadium on 12-16-84.
Mosi is one of only 4 Patriot Running Backs who have rushed for 3 TD's in a regular season game. Mosi ran for 3 TD's in the Patriots 21-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams @ Anaheim Stadium on 12-11-83.
Mosi ran for a TD in regular season games played @ Candlestick Park, the Superdome, Schaefer Stadium, Shea Stadium, the Orange Bowl, Anaheim Stadium, Sullivan Stadium and at the Hoosier Dome over the 1980-1988 seasons.
Mosi scored on a 1 yard run in the Patriots 31-14 AFC Championship Game victory over the Miami Dolphins @ the Orange Bowl on 01-12-86.
Mosi averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 1981, 5.6 yards per carry in 1982, led the NFL with 5.5 yards per carry in 1983 and averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 1984. He is the only Patriot RB to have 4 consecutive seasons averaging more than 4 yards per carry.
Of the 4 Patriot RB/QB Flea Flicker TD passes, Mosi is the only player who has touched the ball each time. 2 Different centers, 2 QB's and 3 receivers were involved in these 4 touchdowns.
The two 8th Round Draft Picks of the Patriots who have played in a Pro Bowl Game representing the Patriots are Mosi Tatupu and Troy Brown. Mosi was recognized as an AFC Pro Bowl Special Team Player in 1986.
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[edit] High school career
Tatupu was a standout player at Punahou School where he set many Hawaii state rushing records. He graduated in 1974.
[edit] College career
Tatupu attended the University of Southern California, playing in the 1978 Hula Bowl and finished his career with 223 rushing attempts for 1277 yards (5.73 yards per attempt avg.). The Mosi Tatupu Award, given annually to the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year by the Maui Quarterback Club and the Hula Bowl, bears his name.
[edit] Later life
Mosi was the head coach at King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Former New England Patriots Center Pete Brock was one of his Assistant Coaches.
Mosi is currently the running-backs coach at NCAA Division III school Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, a program previously led by former New England Patriot Steve Nelson.
Tatupu was mentioned on the The Simpsons during Treehouse of Horror III. His name, said twice, was intended to be translated "The blue-haired woman will make a good sacrifice!" in what was intended as an obscure joke that only people familiar with the NFL player would get.
[edit] Family
His son Lofa Tatupu plays middle linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is the son of Don Hasselbeck, a former tight end, who was Mosi Tatupu's teammate with the Patriots from 1978 to 1983.
[edit] External links
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Super Bowl Dream Passes From the Father to the Son" from the New York Times. Accessed January 26, 2006.
