N.F.L star bestowed title of Leulua’iali’i at Solosolo

Yesterday was the dawn of a new era for Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle, Paul Soliai.

It was when he stepped into the shoes of a matai, having been bestowed with the Leulua’iali’i title at the village of Solosolo.

The ceremony was conducted by Catholic Priest, Father Muliau Stowers.

“A matai name is a blessing,” he said. “It is not something that you get today and then you forget tomorrow.”

Father Stowers advised Leuluaiali’i Paul to seek God first and place him above all else.

Referring to his achievements on and off the football field, he said: “You have fought and you have won. You deserve it (the title) and you have the blessings of your family, village and your church.”

He also reminded Leulua’iali’i not to forget his roots.

“Don’t forget that wherever you go, you are carrying the name of Leulua’ialii. You are taking with you the village of Solosolo.

“Always remember that a matai title is about the life of service, and fulfilling the roles of the matai is not an easy task.

“However, when you seek God His blessings will be upon you. Most of all you have to love and honor your family, church and village.”

Leulua’iali’i Paul, who is in the country with a host of other NFL players, said he was humbled by the honour.

The ceremony was well attended by the Solosolo village council – including Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo.

The bestowal ceremony was followed by traditional exchanges of gift, food and money.

Background

Soliai attended Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove before moving to American Samoa for his senior year, he attended Nu'uuli Technical High School in Pago Pago where he was team captain as a senior.

Soliai spent two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was a two-time All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference offensive lineman. He earned an honorable mention All-American selection in 2002, and was a First-team junior college All-American as a sophomore in 2003.

Considered a four-star recruit out of junior college by Rivals.com, Soliai was listed as the No. 32 non-high school player in the nation.

Soliai transferred to the University of Utah in 2004 and was redshirted his first season. He played in 12 games as a junior in 2005, with up five tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss. He made four stops against rival Utah State, including an assisted tackle for a loss. He also had a 10-yard sack against Arizona.

In 12 games at nose guard as a senior in 2006, Soliai recorded 35 tackles (13 solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks for 15 yards, four pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. He earned a Second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection.

In April 2007, Soliai measured a height of 6-feet-4 and a weight of 332 pounds at his Utah Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.02seconds and 5.12 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.53 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.77 seconds. He measured a 30½-inch vertical jump, but an elbow sprain prevented him from doing the 225-pound bench press.

Prior to the draft, Soliai was praised for his rare size, strength, quickness and athleticism, while also being criticized for his lack of technique and moves.

Soliai was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, signing a four-year contract on June 7.

Before the NFL lockout, Soliai was franchise tagged by the Dolphins. Giving him a one-year guaranteed salary of at least $12 million, which is the average of the top 5 salaries at that position.

On January 24, 2012, Soliai was added to the AFC Pro Bowl Roster to replace Ravens DT Haloti Ngata.

On March 14, 2012, Soliai signed an 2-year extension with the Miami Dolphins worth $12 million, with $6 million guaranteed for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. On March 11, 2014, Soliai agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons on a five-year, $33 million contract including $14 million guaranteed.