Mike Iupati facts for kids
Iupati with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020
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| Washington State Cougars | |||||
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| Position: | Offensive Line Coach | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | May 12, 1987 Vaitogi, American Samoa |
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| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 331 lb (150 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Western (Anaheim, California) | ||||
| College: | Idaho (2006–2009) | ||||
| NFL Draft: | 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Michael Iupati (born May 12, 1987) is a Samoan-American former professional football player. He played as a guard for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).
Iupati was born in American Samoa. He moved to southern California for high school. He played college football for the Idaho Vandals. He was recognized as an All-American in 2009. The San Francisco 49ers chose Iupati in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played for the 49ers for five seasons. After that, he played four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and two with the Seattle Seahawks.
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Early Life and High School Football
Michael Iupati was born and grew up in Vaitogi, American Samoa. His family moved to Garden Grove, California, after he finished junior high school. His father, Aposetolo, was a mechanic. His mother is Belinda Iupati.
Playing Football in High School
Iupati went to Western High School in Anaheim. He started playing football there. His coach, Odell Harrington, helped him learn the game. Michael first played in his second year of high school. This happened when an older player, Fili Moala, got hurt.
Iupati played on both offense and defense as a lineman. He earned honors for his play in the state and his conference. He was also a team captain. In his third year, he made 80 tackles and 12 sacks. He was chosen for the first-team All-CIF. Iupati also did wrestling and track & field. He threw the shot put over 52 feet.
Choosing a College Team
Many colleges did not offer Iupati scholarships at first. This was because his grades were not very high. English was his second language, which made school harder. He planned to go to a junior college.
However, a coach named Johnny Nansen saw him in 2005. Nansen was an assistant coach at Idaho. He offered Iupati a spot on the Vandals team. Nansen worked hard to convince Iupati and his family that the Western Athletic Conference university was a good choice.
College Football Career
Iupati attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. He played for the Vandals from 2006 to 2009. He could not play in his first year (2005) because of academic issues. His family had to take out a loan to pay for his first year of college.
Starting His College Career
He joined the Vandals football team in 2006. He played as a backup in his first year on the team. In 2007, he became a starter. He played all 12 games at left guard. He became an important player for the team.
Iupati had shoulder surgery after the 2007 season. He returned to play in the third game of the 2008 season. He started 8 of the 10 games he played. He was named second-team All-WAC in his junior year.
Senior Year Success
In 2009, Iupati was a top player to watch for major awards. He started all twelve games at left guard. He played many snaps and helped his team's running game. He did not allow any quarterback sacks. He helped the Vandals have their first winning season since 1999. They also won their first bowl game since 1998. They beat the Bowling Green Falcons in the Humanitarian Bowl.
Iupati was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy. This award goes to the best interior lineman in college football. He was chosen as a consensus All-American. He was also named first-team All-WAC. He was the first Idaho Vandal player to be an All-American since 1976.
Professional Football Career
2010 NFL Draft
Many experts thought Iupati was one of the best offensive guard players for the 2010 NFL draft. Some thought he would be picked in the first or early second round. Scouts said he had the skills to play as a left tackle in the NFL. One expert called him the "highest-rated guard" since Steve Hutchinson.
Iupati trained hard for the NFL Combine. He worked with former NFL player Jackie Slater. The San Francisco 49ers chose Iupati in the first round. He was the 17th player picked overall. This was the first time the 49ers picked an interior offensive lineman so early since 1968.
San Francisco 49ers (2010–2014)
In July 2010, Iupati signed a five-year contract with the 49ers. He became the starting left guard for the team.
Iupati had a great start to his first season. He did not commit many penalties or allow many sacks. He helped the 49ers' running game a lot. He was named to the 2010 All-NFC West Team. He was also chosen for the 2010 NFL All-Rookie team.
In 2012, Iupati had an amazing season. He was named to the 2012 All-Pro first-team. He was also one of six 49ers players chosen to start in the Pro Bowl.
At the end of the 2012 season, Iupati and the 49ers played in Super Bowl XLVII. He started the game, but the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34–31.
Arizona Cardinals (2015–2018)
On March 10, 2015, Iupati signed a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. In November, he had a neck injury during a game. He returned to play the next week. He started every game for the rest of that season. He was chosen for his fourth Pro Bowl and the Second-team All-Pro.
In 2017, Iupati was the Cardinals' starting left guard. He got a triceps injury in the first week. He missed two games and then was placed on injured reserve.
In 2018, Iupati started ten games at left guard. He missed two games because of a back injury. He then hurt his knee in Week 13. He was diagnosed with an MCL injury and was placed on injured reserve in December.
Seattle Seahawks (2019–2020)
On March 14, 2019, Iupati signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He was named a Pro Bowl alternate for the 2019 season.
Iupati signed again with the Seahawks in April 2020. He started 11 games at left guard. He missed six games due to injuries.
On February 22, 2021, Iupati announced he was retiring from the NFL. He played for 11 seasons.
Personal Life
Iupati met his future wife, Ashley Galeai, in October 2009. They got married in February 2012. They have a son named KoaAli'i, who was born in August 2012. The family lives near Star, Idaho.
Michael's sister, Fionna, works for Central Texas College. His two brothers, Aposetolo Jr. and Andrew, work in security. Iupati bought his parents a home in Corona after he joined the NFL.
Iupati's younger brother, Andrew, also played football. He was a defensive tackle for the Oregon Ducks from 2007 to 2009. He then transferred to Humboldt State. Andrew Iupati tried out for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
