FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

       “I believe I can speak for all the Samoans all over the world who will be watching the game on Sunday to say, we are very proud of you and we will be cheering you on to win the super bowl crown,” Congressman Faleomavaega said to Mr. Mulitalo.

       Edwin Mulitalo, who is 6’-3” and weighs 340 pounds wears number 64 as a left guard for the Baltimore Ravens.  Drafted by the Ravens in 1999, Mulitalo has been performing superbly.  He holds a very impressive record in the Ravens team, having a 24-game “starting” streak and helped his team to a 12-4 season record and a wild card spot in the AFC.  Mulitalo and his Ravens went on to defeat the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans where he played against his fellow Samoan brother and former college teammate – Joe Salave’a, and finally the Oakland Raiders during the playoffs to win the AFC championship. 

       Mulitalo also made the famous All-Madden team, an honor that is earned by only some of the toughest players in the NFL.

       “By making it to the Super Bowl in only his second year as a Pro, Ed has proven that anything is possible,” Faleomavaega said.  “It also is very telling of the type of person Ed is as a very determined and hard working individual.”

       “The Samoan community in the DC area and I are especially excited because of our personal relationship with Ed and for the Ravens as our area team,” Faleomavaega continued.

       “It’s an awesome feeling to be playing in the Super Bowl,” said Mulitalo to Congressman Faleomavaega.  “I feel very blessed and I thank God for that.  I also thank my parents and my family for their unyielding love and support for me.” 

       Born on September 1, 1974, Edwin Mulitalo grew up in the San Francisco bay area where he attended Jefferson High School in Daly City – a popular high school among the Samoans in the area.  He was student of the year in1991-92, as well as student body president and chairman of the Student Board of Trustees.  He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho and later transferred to the University of Arizona where he played in left tackle position.

       Edwin is the son of Mr. Moliki Pa’ovale Mulitalo from Saluafata, Samoa and Mrs. Fa’aletupu Taesaliali’i from Utulei and Fagatogo, American Samoa who now reside in West Jordon, Utah – a town near Salt Lake City.

       Edwin Mulitalo is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He dedicated two years of his life to serve on a church mission in Idaho, primarily in the American Indian community.

        “Ed is a real down to earth young man with a very strong Samoan and Christian upbringing,” Faleomavaega said.  “Our American Samoa CloseUp students that came to DC last year saw that as well when they met Ed and his wife, Laura, and their infant daughter name To’alima in my DC office.”

       Mulitalo offered this advice for Samoan youths wishing to succeed in life, “Stay focused on your goals and study hard in school, it will eventually pay off.”