USC’s 2026 football season is 36 days away, set to kick off on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. As the countdown ticks down, we’re throwing it back to remember a true Trojan legend who rocked the number 36: fullback Mosi Tatupu.
From Hawaii to Hollywood, a Trojan Force
The man came straight out of Hawaii and absolutely lit it up for USC from 1974 to 1977. Tatupu wasn’t just a fullback; he was a straight-up special teams monster. He also carved out a reputation blocking for star running backs Ricky Bell and Charles White, making sure those guys had room to run. Seriously, the guy was so good, he’s a member of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. His impact on special teams was so big that they even named an award after him: the Mosi Tatupu Award, given to the top college special teams player from 1997 all the way to 2006. That’s a legacy right there.
NFL Stardom and a Lasting Family Impact
Tatupu’s pro career was just as legendary. The New England Patriots snagged him in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL Draft, and he spent 13 of his 14 NFL seasons absolutely crushing it for them. Talk about a fan favorite and a special teams ace! He even made the Pro Bowl in 1986. After hanging up his cleats, he stayed in Massachusetts, diving into coaching at the high school and Division III levels. And get this: his son, Lofa Tatupu, followed in his footsteps, becoming an All-American linebacker for USC’s national championship teams in the early 2000s. What a family!
Mosi Tatupu passed away too young in 2010, at just 54. An autopsy later revealed that CTE, sustained during his incredible football career, played a role in his young death. It’s a somber reminder of the toll this game can take, even on our legends. As USC gears up for August 29, let’s remember the grit, the passion, and the lasting impact of players like Tatupu, whose stories continue to resonate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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