January 20, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- FALEOMAVAEGA CONGRATULATES SAMOAN NFL PLAYERS IN SUPER BOWL

      Congressman Faleomavaega today paid tribute to two fellow American Samoans who will be playing in the Super Bowl for the championship of the National Football League. In separate letters to Maa Tanuvasa, defensive end for the AFC Champion Denver Broncos, and Esera Tuaolo, defensive tackle for the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, Faleomavaega congratulated the Samoan NFL players for their outstanding seasons leading to their teams' matchup in the Super Bowl.

      The Congressman commended Maa Tanuvasa, who wears number 98 for Denver, and stated, "In starting 18 games as defensive end for the Broncos, you have been a major stalwart of the defense. I note that your considerable contributions to the team this season have included 46 tackles, 9 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries." Tanuvasa, the son of Maa and Siaifoi Tanuvasa of Nu'uuli Village, recently renewed a mutimillion dollar contract with the Denver Broncos, which included a $2.4 million signing bonus.

      In his congratulatory letter to Esera Tuaolo, who wears number 95 for Atlanta, Faleomavaega commended him on the Falcons' upset victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. Faleomavaega stated, "Being a defensive tackle for the Falcons, I am sure that you take particular satisfaction in knowing that Atlanta's defense secured the victory -- stopping Minnesota, the highest scoring team in NFL history, on two crucial overtime possessions to permit Atlanta's winning field goal. Certainly, your defensive efforts throughout the season have contributed significantly to the Falcons' championship year." Esera Tuaolo is the grandson of the late High Chief Tavai Esera and nephew of High Talking Chief Tuaolo Lemoe of Pago Pago.

      As sons of Samoa, the Congressman noted that the accomplishments of Maa Tanuvasa and Esera Tuaolo instill great pride in and immense pleasure with the Samoan community in the United States and around the world. Faleomavaega concluded, "Through their hard work and excellence in the NFL, these fine young men are an inspiration and role model for all Samoans. I wish both Maa and Esera a great game in the Super Bowl and may the best team win."