Tatupu Dead at Age 54

This man was a legend. A Polynesian pioneer who blazed the trail for younger players into the NFL. He was an All-Pro special teams player who became an adopted son in Massachusetts where he dazzled fans with his can-do attitude, his endearing smile and his work ethic. He was a blue collar player who was not concerned much with where he played on the field, but rather with how well he could get the job done.

Tatupu was the kind of player you wanted in the locker room because he could elevate other players with his attitude. But he was equally important on the field where he rushed for 2,415 yards in a career that spanned from 1978 - 1990. But the yards do not take into account all of the things that Mosi did on and off the field.

No information has been released as the cause of his death but many can believe that his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family members, including his son Lofa, a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.

So powerful was the influence of this former USC Trojan that the NFL named an award after him. An honor that is given a player that has exemplified Mosi Tatupu in life and on the field.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft summed up the impact of this pioneering player who was a life changing individual in a press release:

"I was shocked by the news this morning. My sons and I loved to watch Mosi. He was one of our favorite players for more than a decade. I don't think you could watch a Patriots game in the '80s without becoming a fan of his. He was a dominant special teams player and a punishing rusher who loved the Patriots as much as the fans did. He gave everything that he had on every play and immediately became a fan favorite. He was an iconic player and will be remembered for all of his contributions as a Patriot, both on and off the field. Our sincere condolences go out to all of Mosi's family, former teammates and many friends who are mourning his loss today."

God bless the memory of Mosi Tatupu and may his family be blessed with comfort in their time of need.