Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers were recently selected for the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl scheduled for February 10, 2008 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

 This season is Lofa Tatupu’s third consecutive pro bowl selection since he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2005 while this will be Troy Polamalu’s fourth pro bowl selection since he was drafted 16th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003.  Both Pro Bowlers played for the University of Southern California under head coach Pete Carroll who led the Trojans to Back-to-Back National Championships in 2003 and 2004.  Besides their history at USC, this duo also played against each other in Super Bowl XL in which Troy’s Steelers won their fifth championship.

 The Pro Bowl selection is based on votes from the coaches, the players, and the fans through online voting.  Each category vote equals 1/3 of the total ballots for consideration for every position for both the American and the National Football Conferences.

 “I want to congratulate Lofa and Troy for their selection for the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl scheduled for February 10, 2008,” said Congressman Faleomavaega.  “This has been a tremendous season for both players and they are deserving of this opportunity to be playing once again in Hawaii.”

 “It is amazing that out of a population of about 70,000, these two young men of Samoan heritage and whose roots are from American Samoa, are able to reach the highest individual honor as an active player of the National Football League.  This selection is cumulative of the opinions from their coaches, their peers, and, importantly, their fans that continue to support them everyday.  I know this selection also recognizes their fellow Polynesian brothers throughout the league. ”

 “Although this season is far from over, we must continue to support them and fellow Polynesian sons for the upcoming post-season in which both teams will most likely participate.  I want to again congratulate Troy and Lofa for their achievements and especially their parents who are responsible for their success today,” concluded Congressman Faleomavaega.