Sad news to report this morning...
Mosi Tatupu, one of the greatest athletes in the history of Hawaii, died Tuesday at age 54 on the mainland.
Tatupu, who was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, starred in football at Punahou, USC and with the New England Patriots. He was a hard-nosed runner, blocker and special teams player.
The cause of death was unknown Tuesday. Tatupu suffered from high-blood pressure and other ailments.
"He had some health issues," said Barry Markowitz, a family friend who was told of the death by Tatupu's ex-wife, Linnea.
Tatupu was one of the best football players ever in the islands. His play for the Buffanblu was often described as that of "a man among boys."
His state career rushing record of 3,367 yards stood for 17 years.
He graduated from Punahou in 1974.
At USC he was mostly a blocking fullback. He played in the 1978 Hula Bowl.
An award named after him was given annually to the nation's best special teams player in conjunction with the Hula Bowl.
The Patriots selected him in the eighth round with the 216th pick of the 1978 NFL Draft
Tatupu was a great person, a great father and a great Trojan.
I remember watching Mosi play when I was a kid...I will never forget hearing his name mentioned by the Coliseum PA announcer whenever he carried the ball.
Our thoughts our with Lofa and the rest of the Tatupu family.