Lofa Tatupu Hits Jackpot With Seahawks
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It was literally a Good Friday for Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu today. Lofa was not scheduled to become a free agent until the end of the 2009 season, but the Seahawks made sure he’ll stay in Seattle a lot longer by giving him a contract extension good through the 2015 season. The deal is worth $42 million and includes about $18 million in guaranteed money from 2008 to 2010.
Lofa has somewhat surprisingly become a perennial All-Pro and one of the best linebackers in the National Football League in his first three seasons. In fact, he became only the second player in Seahawks’ history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years. Not bad for this “average” athlete.
Lofa came into the league as a player who was considered too slow and too short by most teams, evidenced by being the fifth linebacker taken in the 2005 NFL Draft. But he’s more than proven his worth. Just look at his numbers. For starters, he hasn’t missed a game in his three seasons. He’s been over 100 tackles in each of those seasons. And he already has six and a half sacks, eight interceptions and five forced fumbles. He reminds me a lot of Zach Thomas and he had (is still having) a pretty good career for himself.
Lofa’s supposed lack of measurables is erased with smarts and determination, making him one of the best at what he does. He’s fun to watch. The guy plays with an intense passion for the game. He hustles. And he leaves it all on the field each Sunday. Lofa plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played and it just makes sense that he’s been properly recognized. This is one player that won’t get lazy with this done deal. It will only motivate him more to prove the Seahawks did the right thing.
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2 opinions for Lofa Tatupu Hits Jackpot With Seahawks
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