Melila Purcell

Melila Purcell III (born February 5, 1984) is an American Samoan former football defensive end. He played college football for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL draft.

Early life Melila Purcell III was born on February 5, 1984, in Pago Pago, American Samoa. He participated in high school football, basketball, volleyball, and track at Leone High School in Leone, American Samoa. In August 2004, Hawaii head coach June Jones called Purcell the team's "best defensive lineman". He appeared in all 13 games, starting 12, as a sophomore in 2004, recording 47 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, six sacks, four pass breakups, two blocked extra point attempts, and one forced fumble that was returned by Hawaii for a touchdown. He started all 14 games as a senior in 2006, recording 36 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, 9.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles while garnering first-team all-WAC recognition.

Professional career Cleveland Browns Purcell was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round, with the 200th overall pick, of the 2007 NFL draft. He did not expect to be drafted. Instead of watching the draft, he went out for breakfast with his family. He did not play in the game. He posted one solo tackle and one assisted tackle while with the Shock. He was placed on reassignment on August 15, 2011. He also played with his brother, Amani Purcell, at Hawaii.