Congressman Faleomavaega today is pleased to announce that three Samoan NFL Players have been selected for the Washington Redskins player’s list for this year’s football season.  Having met the players recently, Faleomavaega wished to share this information with our Samoan community especially because these players reside within the Washington, D.C. area.

            Earlier this week, the Washington Redskins signed defensive tackle Joe Salave’a (University of Arizona), fullback Mike Sellers (Walla Walla College), and offensive lineman Pita Elisara (Indiana University).  Salave’a is the son of Orator and Mrs. Salave’a Tofinu’u of the village of Leone.  He is in his seventh year and has played for the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, and also the San Diego Chargers. 

Elisara is in his second year with the Redskins.  He is the son of the late Reverend Elder Pita Elisara and mother Afioga from the villages of Vailoatai and Ofu, Manu’a.  Mike Sellers whose mother’s line is the Mapu family from the village of Aoa is in his fifth year in the NFL. 

            “I am proud that these athletes’ roots are from such a small community and that a territorial population of merely 70,000 has produced such incredible athletes that have reached the highest peak of professional football,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Our people are greatly represented by Samoan athletes participating in this world renowned sport.  American football is being played all over the world.  From the Canadian Football League to NFL Europe, we have Samoan athletes and coaches that proudly represent our culture and heritage.”

            “The Samoan people have been blessed with a physique and skills that have given many the opportunity to further their education and pursue careers using their physical abilities.  We have many athletes in the major international circuit of various sports.  From rugby to golf, Samoans have succeeded and we continue to break barriers to represent our culture and heritage to the rest of the world.” 

 “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Redskins players as well as the rest of our Samoan men and women who are participating in these national and international sports.  There are many other Samoan players in the NFL this year and I will be sure to inform the community as information is forthcoming,” Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.