Tupo Tuupo

Tupo Tuupo (born December 17, 1978) is an American Samoan former player of American football. He played college football at Washington State as a linebacker, and signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played professionally for the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League (AFL) as a fullback/linebacker.

Early life Tupo Tuupo was born on December 17, 1978, in American Samoa.

College career Tuupo played college football for the Washington State Cougars of Washington State University. He was redshirted in 1997, and was a four-year letterman from 1998 to 2001. Going into his redshirt freshman year, Tuupo was projected as a starter at middle linebacker but ended up missing the first two months of the season due to a shoulder injury. In August 1999, he was briefly moved to tight end but then switched back to linebacker after two practices. He played defensive end from 2000 to 2001. In 2000, Tuupo lost his 1997 Rose Bowl ring after removing it to wash his hands in a Portland, Oregon, airport bathroom.

Professional career After going undrafted in the 2002 NFL draft, Tuupo signed with the San Diego Chargers on April 26, 2002. He was waived on January 26, 2003, before the start of the season.

Tuupo was signed by the AFL's San Jose SaberCats on January 16, 2004. He was a fullback/linebacker during his time in the AFL as the league played under ironman rules. On June 27, 2004, the SaberCats won ArenaBowl XVIII against the Arizona Rattlers by a score of 69–62.

Tuupo joined the Las Vegas Gladiators of the AFL for the 2005 season, but was later released on January 24, 2005. He then played for the Everett Hawks of the National Indoor Football League in 2005.

Tuupo signed with the af2's Stockton Lightning for the 2006 season. He recorded season totals of nine carries for 22 yards and two touchdowns, six receptions for 39 yards, 25.5 tackles, and one sack.