Detroit – When the Pittsburgh Steelers offense ogles the Seattle Seahawks defense in Super Bowl XL, the prominent pair of eyes peering back from the middle belong to rookie linebacker Lofa Tatupu.
The Steelers are going nowhere unless they negate Tatupu.
This is one rare rookie.
He won consecutive national championships at USC and was a second-round draft pick by the Seahawks. Other NFL teams thought he was too short (6 feet) and too light (238 pounds) to be the centerpiece of their defense. But Seattle’s Tim Ruskell, president of football operations, saw something more. That is why he made Tatupu the 45th player selected in last year’s draft.
One season in, Tatupu has proved he should have been a high first-round pick.
Ruskell used Tatupu as the nucleus for Seattle’s defensive change. Ruskell discarded players who were obstinate and lazy and replaced them with fresh, hungry, active ones. Tatupu became the cornerstone.
Tatupu responded by leading Seattle in tackles (104). He had four sacks and three interceptions.
He can run all day long – sideline to sideline, in foes’ backfields and in the secondary. He can cover. He can make scintillating open-field tackles against the shiftiest NFL playmakers. He helped Seattle to a league-most 50 sacks. He helped ensure his defense allowed only five rushing touchdowns.
He calls all the defenses, makes checks and instructs teammates who are much more seasoned.
With Tatupu commanding the middle, Washington gained 59 rushing yards against Seattle in the divisional playoffs. Carolina, in the NFC championship game, rushed for only 36 yards.
Tatupu is the son of former New England running back Mosi Tatupu.
Lofa does not reside in his father’s shadow.
Mosi has been credited with schooling Lofa for NFL play, but Tatupu said his mother’s role has been more vital.
Her name is Linnea. When Tatupu talks about her, it is clear he is a mama’s boy.
“She has been the most influential (person) in my life,” he said. “She has helped me set and define my goals. She is the daughter of a Marine. She wasn’t a daddy’s girl, she was a daddy’s tough girl. She is the only person I talk to on game days. I will call her just before this Super Bowl. She’s got passion. She has instilled that in me.”
Tatupu hit the ground with Seattle and led.
Seattle coach Mike Holmgren calls Tatupu the team’s energy.
Seattle defensive end Grant Wistrom is in his eighth pro season.
“When I came into the league, it took awhile for me to become a true professional on the NFL level,” Wistrom said. “Lofa came in with the attitude that he knew he belonged. He came in leading from the first practice. That just doesn’t happen with rookies.”
Tatupu said he knew his role and embraced it. He had learned to never doubt his standing after he graduated from high school in Wrentham, Mass., found few collegiate offers and played one year at Division I-AA Maine before USC gave him a shot.
“It’s just what middle linebackers are supposed to do,” Tatupu said. “And I was comfortable with that. Some people meet me sometimes and mistake my confidence for arrogance. I’m not arrogant. But I’m used to getting the last word.”
He will play in the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
His team is not a sleeper, because, he asked, how can a team reach the Super Bowl and be a sleeper? Call them what you will, he insists. He can handle it. As long as the Seahawks get the last word in this Super Bowl.
Tatupu was asked about the back-and-forth banter between his teammate Jerramy Stevens and Pittsburgh’s Joey Porter. Stevens said Jerome Bettis’ feel-good story about returning home would wind up a sour story. Porter responded that Stevens is an underachiever whose words Porter will remember.
Tatupu laughed before saying: “Trash talk is good. Who cares? It is all decided on the field, anyway. Mr. Porter can have his say.”
Mr. Porter?
“I am a rookie,” Tatupu said. “Everybody in this league, except my teammates, is Mr. to me. I know it is not easy to last in this league. I respect that. I’ve learned it’s a long season, that you have to pace yourself, take care of your body and keep improving.”
One more game, I guess, and we should call him Mr. Tatupu.
After this Super Bowl, he will no longer be a rookie.
“I guess that’s true if you don’t count the Pro Bowl,” Tatupu said.
If he arrives at the Pro Bowl a Super Bowl champion, they will respectfully call him Mister.
Not rookie.
Seems like he never was one.
Staff writer Thomas George can be reached at 303-820-1994 or tgeorge@denverpost.com.
