Seahawks’ Tatupu to donate to tsunami relief
RENTON, Wash. — Lofa Tatupu’s father was born in American Samoa. The Seattle Seahawks star still has family members on the island. And he hasn’t heard how they fared through last week’s deadly tsunami that rolled across the U.S. territory, as well as neighboring Samoa and Tonga.
He figures the least he can do is donate to the disaster relief efforts in the Pacific Rim region.
“Those are my people,” he said Wednesday.
Coach Jim Mora said his three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is volunteering to match the first $10,000 that fans donate in a collection drive started by the Seahawks and Medical Teams International.
Tatupu didn’t want attention on his generosity, and he was surprised to learn word got out.
Mora and the Seahawks blew his cover. The team released an advisory which quoted Tatupu saying, “Every donation will help provide relief to those affected by the disaster.”
The Seahawks are inviting fans to donate on their way into the stadium at Sunday’s home game against Jacksonville, or on their team’s Web site.
Mosi Tatupu, a former NFL running back who played from 1978-91, was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Lofa was born in Wrentham, Mass., when his dad was with the New England Patriots.
Mora was struck by Tatupu’s generosity, and by the perspective the tsunami and the earthquake that triggered it give when fans are bemoaning the injuries and defeats the Seahawks are enduring.
“There are bigger problems in the world than Matt Hasselbeck’s ribs or Patrick Kerney’s groin, or Leroy Hill’s groin, or Walter Jones’ knee,” the coach said while announcing Tatupu’s contribution. “So I’d encourage everyone to keep life in perspective. And that’s some perspective right there.”
A Seahawks spokeswoman said former University of Washington star quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, who became an assistant strength coach for the Huskies this season after the Oakland Raiders released him, will help collect donations at Qwest Field on Sunday. Tuiasosopo has a grandfather and extended family in the Samoan islands. They were safe following the tsunami.
On the Net:
www.seahawks.com
www.medicalteams.org
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