Mosi Tatupu
The Patriots community was saddened to learn ofMosi Tatupu's passing at the age of 54. Details surrounding his death were unknown according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin in his home state of Hawaii, where he died on Tuesday.
Tatupu was described as one of the greatest athletes in history of Hawaii and the report indicated he had been suffering from high blood pressure and other ailments. His career rushing total 3,367 yards stood as the state record for 17 years.
Tatupu later became one of the most popular players in Patriots history during his career in New England that ran from 1978-90. He was a standout special teams performer and served as a backup running back, compiling 2,415 yards and 18 touchdowns during his career, which also included five games with the Rams in 1991.
His ability and willingness to do the grunt work made him a fan favorite, as evidenced by the existence of a section filled with adoring fans in Schaefer/Sullivan/Foxboro Stadium called "Mosi's Mooses." He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1986 for his special teams play.
Tatupu's son, Lofa, is a linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks and was coached by his father at King Philip High School in nearby Wrentham, Mass. Tatupu was most recently coaching running backs at Division III Curry College.
