Junior Tautalatasi

Taivale "Junior" Tautalatasi Jr. (born March 24, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington State Cougars and was selected in the 10th round of the 1986 NFL draft. He played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Early life Born in Oakland, California to a Samoan American family, Tautalatasi graduated from Encinal High School in nearby Alameda in 1981.

He then transferred to Washington State University. With Washington State, Tautalatasi rushed for 402 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

Professional career Philadelphia Eagles Tautalatasi was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the tenth round (261st overall) of the 1986 NFL draft. He made the team after showing big play potential in the preseason. He appeared in all 16 games as the team's third down back and started 2 games, including the season opener, while Keith Byars was recovering from a foot injury. Although he was slowed down by a right knee injury, he finished with 41 receptions (second on the team) for 325 receiving yards (fourth on the team) and 51 carries for 163 rushing yards. He had 11 receptions in the tenth game against the New York Giants. He recorded a 50-yard run in the seventh game against the Dallas Cowboys. He made a 56-yard reception in the fifth game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Buddy Ryan, Tautalatasi's head coach with the Eagles, was unable to pronounce his last name and referred to him most often as "Junior Smith". In 1987, he posted 25 receptions for 176 yards and 26 carries for 69 yards. Tautalatasi concluded the 1988 season with 48 receiving and 28 rushing yards.