Pio Sagapolutele

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.

Pio Sagapolutele

No. 75, 99
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	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
Cleveland Browns (1991–1995) New England Patriots (1996) New Orleans Saints (1997–1998)
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

1. "Former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele dead at age 39". Browns. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
2. "1991 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
3. Sagapolutele, Pats Super Bowl team starter, dead 2009-06-11 at the Wayback Machine Associated Press
4. "Former Patriots DT Pio Sagapolutele dies at the age of 39". New England Patriots. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
5. "Widow of Pio Sagapolutele is suing NFL & Riddell over 'wrongful' death". Samoa News. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2022.