Here's a great story that merges culture and sports - it comes from "60 Minutes" and it is entitled "American Samoa: Football Island" - watch below (it's one of the best stories you will watch this year):
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David
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153 comments:
Those boys down in Samoa are tuff as nails. They play on a pratice field with rocks in umm. They're bread to play football. And they have over 30 NFL players from Samoa in the NFL. That should tell you something. Can wait to go out there.
The only Samoan football player that I was aware of is Polamalu. And it not just because of his hair but watching him play on the field. He really plays like he wants to win every time, in fact his name just came up in a conversation. Discipline, respect, and determination are some important key factors that their parents and coaches seem to instill in them.
Well these boys do good at football because their parents won’t let them do anything else but cook and clean. Strict parents and cultures teach the kids discipline, responsibility, and other qualities needed for a good NFL football players. Now that they are starting football earlier, I am sure they will be producing some really young NFL football players soon.
I'm starting to realize more and more that the greatest athletes come from small towns/places. I think this is because the only thing the kids have to do is play sports. Also, the parents have a huge role in this too. It is very obvious that these Samoan football players have come from good families that raise their children with morals and values.
I think most cultures, that aren't american, have a great deal of respect and discipline for whatever they do. These guys are focused on being the best at what they do and they are doing that. They don't get distracted on things that don't matter to them. Other cultures are raised with values and morals and usually are really good people.
Had no idea that there was an entire civilization dedicated to football. Astounding!! This just goes to show you how much of an influence American society and practices have on other cultures.
I had no idea that some of our football players came from different parts of the world. Kids from less technological places play sports for fun. Kids in America for instance play video games and watch TV instead of playing outside. Maybe this is why Americans are known as an obese country.
This is something interesting to know. I had no clue that we had all these players from this area of the world.
Nice story. I didn't realize that American Samoa was so small and so far away. It is amazing to hear how many NFL players they have produced from a population of only 65,000. These guys are definitely born to play football. That practice field has to hurt with all those rocks in it. You have to be tough to play on that field.
I think most of the great athlete not only in football but also in other sports comes from small countries with poor background, i wonder sometimes if all countries had the same potential what could have happen to the world. I think it is the difficult background which give this individual morale given a chance they made the maximum use.
This is what makes great athletes, the ones that come from countries where there is not enough equipment to play the sport like it should be. Look at pele', he played soccer as a child with a sock with balls wrapped up in it. great athletes are made from places that arent as fortunate
I can’t believe that the football players from Samoa play football under those horrible conditions. I thought that is very interesting that 30 NFL football players are from Samoa.
I can’t believe that the football players from Samoa play football under those horrible conditions. I thought that is very interesting that 30 NFL football players are from Samoa.
That was a great story. I think that when kids grow up in places like that, all they have is sports to keep them occupied. I like the attitude that the samoans have towards work and being humble, to me thats the way a man should be. Its a shame that they dont have the advantages that we all share.
The reason there people are beginning to see so many Samoan players going to the NFL is because of their work habit. A couple of weeks ago I watched a special about Samoan NFL players and it said that it is the way they are brought up and also the size Samoans are. A fourteen year old Samoan is averaged around six foot in height with varying weight sizes. Samoans are just bigger, faster, and stronger than most of the American football players.
That is crazy that they play on those kinds of fields. It makes our players seem so lucky that they don't play under those conditions. Troy Palomula is the only Samoan I know of out of the 30 players but he is and excellent player.
People that live like the Samoans generally do become great at whatever they put their minds to. If they had all the amenities that we enjoy they may not be as great as they are.
I think that most places outside of Somoa have a lot of lazy fat children who would rather sit inside and watch television than go outside. The reason they have more is that they try harder.
I never realized there were so many Somaon footplayers but they are go getters.
They really are good at what they do, since they have so much time and dedication to play sports. They look as if they were built to play sports especially football. I’m happy to see that they haven’t let the bad weather conditions destroy their dreams and what they value in life.
Them dudes know how to play some football. They were real little out ther practicing football. They are tough and determined to be good.
Those Samoans are some big 'ole boys! I would hate to make one of them mad. I had no idea how serious they are about football. I also had no idea that the island of Samoa is so poor. It can't be fun to practice and play football on dirt and gravel with vastly sub-par equipment. These people have very admirable strength, determination and character. Hopefully America will start to give back to Samao in return for all of the awesome football moments they have brought to us.
Those boys look like College & NFL players in high school! The American Samoan culture is about working hard to get what you want, and to work hard to acheive something better. These boys are started young playing football and with that, they are raised with respect, discipline and on culture they breed amazing football players. These boys know they only way off this tiny island and to help their family, they have to work hard in football to get a scholarship for college and hopefully get drafted into the NFL.
That was a very inspirational story. It opened my eyes to the culture of American Samoa. They stress discipline, and obedience, and are very hard workers. I have a new found respect for Samoans.
Wow that's a lot of Samoan football players! Very interesting clip! These guys are huge and tuff, playing on rocks and with barely no equipment!
I had no idea that many players were from Samoa or even where Samoa was located. Samoans are so tough and disciplined; I'm not surprised on the percentage of Samoans in football. This is what Americans need, to learn respect, discipline, and how to put their whole hearts into their dreams.
Great atheletes come from areas that are less fortunate sometimes. They don't have the money to have video games and things to keep them in the house so their entertainment is playing the sport they love all day everyday.
Samoan's are very strict and serious about whatever they do. There are a lot more athletes from these types of places than we know.
That was amazing!!! I am in shock! What awesome players! That was the most beautiful moment when they won the championship! WOW
I've always wonder how samoan players turn out so tough but not i know. they work very hard at what they do and it shows on the field when they are playing.
I think that in certain areas where there is less technology then others, kids will grow up talented in playing sports. With no video games or cell phones to keep them occupied, they are constantly playing and practicing what they love.
I actually already saw this one, and I was so happy that they did this one because I have been saying the same thing about Samoan players for years. Another fun stat is that the two states who send the most people to the NFL are Texas and California, but the state that sends the most highschool players through to the NFL per its population is Louisiana.
This was very interesting to watch and to understand how much a sport could mean to an entire community and culture of people. They are raised in strict households and in harsh living conditions, both of which makes them stronger mentally and physically. I know most Southern states share a fair percentage of producing NFL quality players also. I didn't agree with the reporter at one point for claiming that mainland American citizen kids and teenagers would never think of doing chores, cleaning and cooking. He's not in a position to speak for everyone, since I personally have been raised doing all of those things.
This is an interesting fact about football that no many people know. More coaches will continue to go to Samoa to recruit these kids.
That's downright amazing. Can't say I'm surprised though, Samoans are big people, and history will tell you that they are raised to be tough. Maybe we can take a lesson from that over here.
This is crazy. I never would have thought from Samoa, would arise to 30 NFL athletes. That is great thought because that shows the culture of football spreading.
This video was really humbling. I think this video should show people how we should be grateful. I find it very remarkable that this many great players can come from such a small place with inadequate resources. This shows people how power determination and will can be. Great video!
This is an interest video. I did not know most of the NFL football players are coming from Samoa. I think there is something in their water. lol
The work ethic and discipline of the Samoan people is incredible. With their recently added youth football program the already high number of NFL prospects should increase a lot.
Football island, this is crazy. It seems like something my boyfriend would make up.
This story is sad because the opportunities for these Samoan kids are very slim. Unfortunately not everyone is born with the athletic capabilities to be a NFL foot ball player. The story describes Samoans as a group of people that hold great dedication, determination, and self discipline. With these kinds of virtues, the Samoan people could be great assets to different types of businesses. It is unfortunate how a group of people, with great determination and large hearts, are bounded by the waters of the Pacific.
this is a very nice video and this player had open the door for new somoa to be recruit. It is wonderful for this small island.
I thought most NFL players came from Europe or something. This is really interesting. I'm actually beginning to realize that some of the best players DO come from small towns. That's even true for sports here at Southeastern.
I think it is absolutely amazing how this community survives. It makes all the sense in the world that they do so well because of their upbringing. They are not worried about the silly things in life. They are concerned with what has to be done to keep their families and communities going strong.
This is something interesting to know. I had no clue that we had all these players from this area of the world. I guess if that's pretty much all they did then they could have the skills and ability to play in the NFL
This country has had many heartaches but somthing like football brings the entire island together. I had no idea so many of our players came from the same area.
I didn't know that many NFL players come from there, but i see why they do. These boys a pretty much bread to to play even from a young age and they have more of a reason to want to play because of their financial situation.
I think that because the area is small and there is no other activities, the boys can focus on one sport. Also, if it is something that that they like to do it is natural to be good at it.
It really surprised me to find out the number of Samoans that have come from such a small number of people. It is crazy to believe because we have millions of people in the US and only the starting group of players of college teams make it to the NFL and they have 30 from just 65,000 people, that is huge percentage.
Good to know that heres whole communities dedicated to football. All communities to should commit to dedicating to something instead of being riddle with crime. I bet this keeps down on their crime rate
I actually read this before on ESPN:OTL report. It's not too surprising because we should know that culture outside the US has different core values.
They are amazing at football, but then again I guess if anybody dedicated themselves to something like thy do they would be great at it.
This story is quite amazing. Their attitude toward football is similar to the Dominicans attitude toward baseball. For Dominicans, they have the mindset of "you have to hit to get off the island." The same goes for Samoans. If they want and education and to have a better life, they have to work hard at football.
That is pretty amazing that all those players are from the same part of the world.
I never realized that so many players have come here.Call m e closed mind but I have always assume dthat they came from Hawaii, I mean isn't that a part of their heritage. It is really unbelieveable the conditions that these kids are playing in.
I grew up in a small town and sports are what made the town. That is what children did growing up and that was what the community came together for. The community was there to help support the various teams. Sports were the way for many of these kids to get out of the small town.
It's amazing that so many players can come from such a small population. It makes sense that a people with such a culture would fit into the NFL so well. I can't say that I knew who most of the Samoans are but I did know about Polamalu.
This story is amazing. I'm starting to realize more and more that the greatest athletes come from small towns/places.
A success story for many in the American Samoa. I didn't realize so many players came from that region. But it is not surprising since their work rate and discipline makes them more than capable of doing so.
It is amazing to see how successful people can be when the determination is on another level. It helps to understand the work ethic of these people because they know thats all they have to live for. We could learn many things from these people. I think the U.S. should help find a way to help these people in the American Samoa as they are many times overlooked.
It's nice to see that there are kids from underprivileged countries that aspire to be something great.
I like to think of the place as the "Mecca" so to speak of football player production. lol. I'm just kidding, but this is a pretty cool place, and not to mention the players that are currently from there are incredible.
When you start out with almost nothing you will do anything to better yourself. For these kids football is their way up. The conditions they train in an the toughness they have makes a perfect field that much easier to play on.
These high school kids look like they're all on steroids! I'm sure any American coach would kill to have any of these players on their team whether it’s for high school, college or professional football. I would be scared of them if I were on the opposing team. I think they are that way because of their hard working lifestyle. They seem very dedicated to football just like they are to their daily tasks they have to do.
When people are growing up with nothing they will do anything to to make a better life for themselves and also their family. Football is these boys way out. This is why they try so hard and why many accomplish their dream.
This really interesting. I would have never guest that most of the football players in the league come from Samoa. I always thought they came from our local areas and states.
Im a huge football fan and enjoy watching these players. Its amazing how many players come from this region. Ive noticed all the out of state players but never realized how many.
I have seen this video twice before and I love it more everytime I see it. These guys have heart, and spirit. This is lacking in a lot of people in the United States. They are hard working and respectful of where they come from.
This is unbelievable. I knew there was were a lot of samoa guys in the NFL but i didn't realize it is that many. The area breeds nfl athletes.
This video clip was interesting because I also didn’t know most NFL players came from Somoa.
This is a very interesting video to me. Being an athlete and football player it amazes me how athletic and big the samoan natives are. Maybe kids in the states should climb trees every morning and do yard work in the evening everyday instead of lifting weights. Incredible.
These guys are naturals when it comes to playing football. It amazes me how they get drafted or scouted from this small location. this must be their only sport on the island to concentrate on.
I'm amaze at how these guys are so passionate about Football. Parental guidance is vital to their success as well. I'm glad that these professional players are able to do what they love.
These guys are huge! I'm sure that all of these guys will be successful football players when they are older just because of their hard work and dedication to football. I didn't know that most of the professional players came from Somoa, but then again I don't know much about football period. That's great though that these kids are given a chance to make something with their lives though in the United States.
Samoans dedication to football brings so much joy to their lives. I had to watch the story twice to hear the statistics again. I had no idea! This story gives a whole new respect for those players from Samoa.
This was a very interesting clip. It is awesome to hear about how dedicated people are to their football. Having something to put your energy into is important and I am glad to see people keeping it positive even in such rough conditions.
I didn't know that some NFL player are from Samoa. It was very interesting to watch. This proves that discipline, determination and hardworking pay off.
This is an awesome clip. Samoans' are very determined and hard working people. They play football with next to nothing and they become great at it. It is humbling to see Samoans' in the NFL because it shows that America cares about diversity. Samoans dedication to football is a sight to see, more power to them.
I always thought the Samoa people came from Hawaii. That guy was right I couldn’t have pointed American Samoa on a map. I believe the way these kids are raised has so much to do with why all these division 1 and NFL athletes come from this tiny island. In most cases, it takes discipline and dedication to be successful in football and as you can you can see you won’t find more dedication or discipline anywhere.
This is not surprising to me, because of the way this culture holds its offspring to a higher level of discipline. This is the way of a warrior. Football is a game of warriors and this culture could not be better suited for this type of war on the gridiron.
It is not that surprising that the American Samoa's produce some of the best football players in the National Football League. Unlike the majority of the American football player; the Samoa's understand what hard work is and what it means to be dedicated to accomplishing a goal. Not saying that all American football player do not know what all work is, but living in America had provided a sense of protection to American. That is a downfall for most Americans because they believe that things should be give to them. Just look at Reggie Bush in the beginning of his career he pulled out all the stop to be the best football player the could.
But in the past football season I really truly believe that fame and fortune has stopped him from giving the fan his all. From a young age the American Samoa's are taught what hard work is and there are no excuses not to accomplish any goal. I believe that the motivation to make a better like for their families are what drives the American Samoan football player to never give up. If there was a football team totally composed of Samoa's I believe that no American football team would stand a chance. Rock people they can make you hard!
I think that the Samoa people have the ability to perform well in football because of lifestyle and the history of the people. The Samoa background is one of fit, athletic, and big warriors; these people have practically been breed to play a sport like football. I also think that the poverty of a lot of Samoa people has a lot to do with them being so good at football; think about it a lot of kids in America stay inside and play the newest Madden video game, while the poor Samoa kids don’t have that luxury so what do they do they go outside and play football all day.
You would think since so much emphasis is put on the Samoans playing professional football, that the NFL would fork over some cash to get them the proper equipment they need to train. American kids need to go to Samoa to learn responsibility and what it's like to actually have to work for what they want. Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down all kids...I have two of my own who are spoiled rotten...but seeing how determined the Samoan kids are to please their parents and become successful is inspiring.
I think the reason why we see such great success out of the Samoans is there true passion to play the game. In America we feel as if we are entitled to play the game of football. The Samoan culture seems to truly embrace what football is all about.
The Samoan culture seems to revolve around determintation, discipline, and hard work. All three of those characteristics make a successful person, whether it be with football or in life. Most of the highschool players realize that while they were blessed with size, they still have to work hard and stay determined to make it to the NFL. It seems for a lot of the highschool players the NFL is a way to become really successful and help their families out back home. I believe those three characteristics, along with their size, are reasons we see so many successful Samoan players in the NFL.
Clearly this man is passionate about what he does. If he attributes his culture to that passion, then alright.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DyzASDVpwU
I think this little video shows just the determination and passion this man has for football.
This is due to the differing cultures of the world. But I think it is great to be so into what you love.
Its kind of funny, after watching this video and skimming through some of the previous comments on this page I realize how much people don't understan or respect the determination of foreign players coming to this country. At Southeastern alone, if I'm not mistaken the entire golf team at is foreign. I personally know two of them from South Africa. I also believe that a majority of the tennis team was foreign, I knew a few of them too. I'm only bringing up these people because in talking to them about where they come from and there lifestyle before moving to the U.S. to play sports, I have a great deal more respect for them than before. To these people, sports are a way of life, a way of escape from where they come from, and even a way to get an education.
I feel as if to come into another country and to do anything is a challenge in itself. May it be football or any other type of career. With my parents coming from Africa I know exactly what they went through in getting into this country and the hard work it took. They had to have tremendous determination to get to the point where they are at now and they have instilled that hard work in me as well.
I love this story and parents who use sports to show kids good morals and values. It can have a huge impact on a child if done correctly and bad if done wrong but these families work hard to raise their kids right. Some of the best players have come from that area becuase if you start them young theres not alot of change or confusion on what they are asked to do.
I believe that many great football players are I guess you could say "Bread" from small towns due to the fact that in small town there is truly not much to do. I think that the families that are housed in these small towns all have a similar way of bringing up amazing children and teaching them great morals and to stick with their passions!
It is pretty obvious to me that these football players come from great families that begin to instill morals and values into these children/players at a very early age. These players are focused, determined, humble, and have respect for themselves, others, and the game of football. These are things that make good team members and good leaders.
I did not realize that there was a whole entire civilization that is dedicated to football. This just goes to show how much of an influence America has on other counties around the world. I think that this is a great opportunity for NFL teams and it is amazing to hear how many NFL players they have come from a population of only 65,000. This was a great story.
I think this is a great story and video. It really shows how other parts of the world are. It proves that you can come from a small area and make it big.
The Samoan culture is know to big a big, strong people. They are very disciplined and old fashioned. There football players are the strongest and fastest of these people. They are like the Spartans of football. Bread just to go to war on the field.
By:
William Peeples
There are three factors that contribute to the Samoan’s success in producing so many professional and college level athletes: their genetics (size and strength), living in poverty (which gives them drive to aspire to something much bigger), and having very talented coaches who are able to cultivate this strength and drive from a very young age and shape it into a winning mold. To them football is much more than a game –it is a ticket out of poverty, and the previous success of people that they have known on the field no doubt makes this dream seem very attainable, thus furthering their ambition and contributing to the cycle of success.
These football players possess a quiet strength that permeates everything they do. They have God given aptitudes like size and strength. But they also have something else… ‘heart’. Coming from such a small community riddled with poverty has proven to only fortify their determination. It truly is the obstacles and adversities in life that can transform us into our best ‘selves’.
I love football. I wasn't born with the large size and all to become a great football player. But I will say this, that I really enjoy the hidden back stories of a lot of these players. I really found it interesting about the Samoan players. It makes sense though with the size range they are born into. There have been a good bit of popular players to come out of this culture and it seems that it will only increase. What I wonder is, when will other races start to grow in numbers in the game of football, like Latinos or Asians. There is still so much more ground left to tread.
Samoans are just built for football. They have genetics and upbringing working for them. I can't see why they wouldn't take to it.
Awesome video and so heartwarming! These are very remarkable people. They are very disciplined and have so much heart. I'd like to send my kids over there to see how chores are really done.
I had no idea so many of our players came from other countries. I think it is great that our players are diverse.
Honestly I think many Americans that are football players would have chosen another career if they had to play in those conditions. Somoans are tough and have heart for playing like they do. The video was very informative because I didnt know so many people came from Somoa.
I would have never guessed that any football players came from Somoa. I think some of these NFL players should donate some money and buy these kids some decent equipment. This was a great story and I really enjoyed it.
It is simple to see the difference between the young people of this country and the young people in the Untied States. Life seems harsh on that island, yet the people are more humble and honorable.
I think this is a great story and video. It really shows how other parts of the world are. It proves that you can come from a small area and make it big.
I think the the guys down in Somoa play football so well because thats all they have to do. It like when you live in a small town and the football team is really popular and everyone participates. Thats because thats the only good entertainment they may have. The somoan men in the NFL are great players. I think in their country their frm of discipline was different from ours. Thats why they are such good players.
Parent play a huge role in their kids’ lives. If they want them to be the best football player they will make sure it is all they do. It is kind of wild how most really good athletes come from small towns. I am sure it is easier to practice football all the time if there is nothing else to do.
I find it funny how "Keeping up with the Jones'" can produce a huge cultural phenomenon. I know this may sound crass but I truly think that this is how it starts. Yes, the parents in this region teach massive discipline and produce great athletes, but it had to start with one, didn't it? He became successful and so, the rest of the community, climbs aboard and it becomes part of the culture.
I find it funny how "Keeping up with the Jones'" can produce a huge cultural phenomenon. I know this may sound crass but I truly think that this is how it starts. Yes, the parents in this region teach massive discipline and produce great athletes, but it had to start with one, didn't it? He became successful and so, the rest of the community, climbs aboard and it becomes part of the culture.
I think that so many great football players come out of Samoa because these people come from a small community where they appreciate sports, since there is not much else to do. The children of Samoa are raised to be respectful and to be hard workers. These children grow up with a dream of playing football as professionals and make their dreams come into reality.
Those football players are some big guys. I’m realizing that some of the greatest football players come from some small towns or cities. I’m sure that these guys will be successful football players when they get older just from their dedication and hard work. I had no idea that most of our professional players come from Somoa. Its good though that they can come to the US and use their talent.
Very tuff community down there! Such a great story of hard work and determination. Ill be watching for all these samoian players from now on.
I think it's awesome so many of these people become professionals. They work extremely hard to reach their goal. It seems as though some of the training conditions may be a little too extreme though.
This story is very true. The culture that you are bred in truly makes you who u are. They say "you are a product of your environment", and it proves to be true. I like to see motivational stuff like this, it adds fuel to my fire. When I first read this story, it made me realize how truly talented some cultures are. I believe that the amount of discipline in every culture should be raised to a higher standard. Once again, a very motivational story. Thanks Mr. Wyld.
After watching the video on these guys it is not surprising that they go on to play professional football. They are tough, disciplined, and have to work hard for everything that they have. A lot of people could learn from these guys.
Like everyone said, these are some big, tough guys. Their dedication is almost unmatched by most American born football players. You cant help but root for these guys (unless they're playing against your team. Then you just hope for the best, bc there is no stopping some of these guys like Polamalu).
The Samoan make great football player because their warrior mentality can not be matched by other cultures. Samoans have strong bonds and the utmost respect for other Samoans, which makes them one of the strongest cultures on Earth. Also the Samoans help each other become the best though competition, unlike most culture. Most culture are not willing to help each other, and does not want the next person to succeed (hate).
Very good. I like Troy and the way he presents his culture.
My boyfriend was just telling me this a few weeks ago. Its good to see some positive pushes in cultures. However, it seems to be pretty difficult for those young men that are unable to perform as good, or "good enough" to make it all the way..... GO STEELERS!
Must be something in the water out there. Also a lack of fast food places probably helps them all stay in shape.
You hear about quite a few Samoan's in the professional ranks in sports. Their work ethic I would have to say is the main reason they are there.
I played basketball throughout high school. My mom played during the 80's and she would always tell me that sports carried much more influence over her generation. One reason was because basketball was all they had. There were no cell phones or internet. When they were bored, they played basketball. American Samoa doesn't is comparable to my mom's generation. They aren't blinded by technology and they pride themselves on physical and mental strength.
I have known about Troy, but I didn't realize that there were so many Samoans in the NFL. I think Troy is a perfect example of the amount of discipline and respect the Samoans possess. Troy will be the first person to tackle a player to the ground, but he is also the first person to help them back up. He is well respected throughout the NFL community, as well as the fans. His Head and Shoulders commercials are pretty funny too.
I have never heard of American Samoa until this post. It's great how these people can view the NFL as their "meal ticket". I couldn't believe that the average annual income was a little over $4,000. It's really amazing how these high school guys didn't start playing football until they reached high school. Most NFL players are trained to play football once they learn how to walk. I truly respect the Samoans not only for their great size, agility, and love of football, but for their true humbleness shown above everything.
I think there work ethics are amazing!!! I think they work harder then any other race when it comes down to playing sports. #43 for the Steelers is a main reason why they work so hard.
When people are growing up with nothing they will do anything to to make a better life for themselves and also their family. Football is these boys way out. This is why they try so hard and why many accomplish their dream.
this is a great story but i think that a lot of pro athletes come from small poor countries. i think this is true because in poor countries the only way out is threw sports and just like samoa in football there is dominican republic with baseball
Wow, that brings tears to my eyes. It is amazing what people can do with determination and their hearts. We expect things like a nice home or school and these people are so humble for these types of things.
A story like this makes any football fan proud. A Samoan has the passion, want, and desire to play football and not for fame and fortune but for love of the game. No fancy uniforms or equiptment, just hard knuckles, grit, and determination. That is what the NFL was founded on, and the game will be better with more of these kids in it.
These are the stories that are very inspirational to me. I love hearing about a town, or in this case, an island of poverty that has not only a great story, but a very inspirational one. I do believe the American Samoans are at an advantage because of their height and weight, but this is not the only reason why they produce such great football players. I believe the way that a person is raised has much to do with the outcome of their life. Such qualities as determination, obedience, and self discipline will take a person very far in life; in this case it took many men to the NFL.
I think this story is amazing. Who knew so many NFL football players came from such a small place. When they first started talking about a small place I thought maybe the size of one of our smaller states. I was wrong, 19 miles, end to end, that is tiny. The closest mall is farther than that from my home.
This is a story of how disciple from good parenting has paid off. Although it does not seem as though it's just from parenting but it's a part of their culture. When watching the Steelers play, I wasn't exactly sure what position Polamalu plays because he is one that is all over the field. It really shows that he is very determined.
Wow, this story is absolutely amazing. From an early age, you can tell the Samoan children are taught hard work, reverence, and discipline. One boy had done a whole days work before attending school. The Samoan boys are humble, obedient, determined, fast, big, and have the ability to be successful football players. I think football to the Samoans is a way out of poverty and a future for themselves and family members. Since most of the families are very poor, football is a meal ticket for them and getting a football scholarship is a dream come true. The end of the story brought tears to my eyes; I was happy to see the sharks win for the first time in eleven years. The boy who lost his father is truly a leader and I pray he makes it to the NFL for him and his mother. Overall, this was a great story.
This is an absolutely amazing story! I had never even heard of American Samoa until I watched this video clip. I was shocked to find out that so many great NFL players come from this region. However, after watching the video, I quickly understood why. Samoans are taught many traits that Americans should learn. Football for them is not just a way to become rich and famous. They truly love the sport and it creates so many opportunities for them. I think Americans can learn a lot by watching this clip. Be humble, possess some self-discipline, and strive for your goals no matter what obstacles are thrown at you.
Wow! This is just an amazing story. Honestly, I had never heard of this place before. But these boys have heart! I am a football fan so this was a good story to hear. For that one kid to have to bare a tsunami and his father’s death, then to go to a football game and win. That’s just unfathomable.
Wow! This story is amazing! It's so great how these people have such a poor economy but have so much determination and love. I don't think these boys are picked for the NFL because the come from this small, poor country; I think they are chosen because they have been raised with great morals and they know that they have to work hard to receive things in life.
I am a huge football fan and I really enjoyed this piece. Its amazing how many football players come for the tiny country of Samoa. This goes to show you that when someone is motivated enough or wants to succeed at something enough they have the power to make it happen. All you have to do is make up your mind what you want to do and dedicate yourself. This story story could hold true for anything other than football when people are motivated.
It amazes me at the hard work and dedication that the Samoans display. A boy after a funeral for his father went and gave his all for his team and played a winning game. The young Samoans take this sport and make it their life. They work hard to succeed because this is their only way out. These boys are perfect for the NFL they truly dedicate their self for the sport.
This video shows how any individual can take a bad situation and turn it in to a success. It is not what happens to you in life that makes you who you are it is the way you handle the things you are given that makes up who you are. These samoans have been taught to be hard workers and through grit and determination they can succeed in their dreams.
I never knew how many players could come from such a small area of the world. They teach great values and goals with their passion towards the sport of football.
Its very interesting to me that even the high schools do the Warrior dance before games. I saw Hawaii do it before they played, and lost badly, to Georgia. That kid's helmet was honestly the only proof I needed to show NFL potential.
This is a prime example of how hard work and dedication engraved into a group of people can achieve great success. They don't have the luxuries that I had during highschool football, buy they do not care at all. A practice field full of rocks here would raise controversy and much criticism, but if it is all that you have to work with then you use that to your advantage. Year over year NFL rosters are gaining more and more American Samoa players and this is absolutely remarkable for an island of that size. These young men come from below poverty standards and make the best of each day on the field. Truly an inspirational piece and I think that highschool teams here in the closer states should take note of this and realize how fortunate and spoiled they truly are.
I didn’t know so many football players were Samoan. I especially find it interesting that if you are born from Samoan parents you are more than 56 times more likely than Americans to make it to the NFL. I think that all young males concentrate on football in Samoa because they want to become successful and football gives them the best chance of becoming successful since Samoa two thirds of Samoa lives in poverty. This is an interesting video.
Great story. I learned something new about the Samoan culture! They are indeed great athletes.
This is an amazing story! I did not know that so many NFL players are Samoan. I agree with the comment at the end of the video, it is the heart and determination in these Samoan players that sets them apart and allows them to be great at football. It is amazing that they are such great players even though they do not have the proper equipment, field, or weight rooms.
I think this video goes to show you how far determination, discipline, and commitment can get you in life. In the sports world today, we think we need the best sports gear, the perfect training guide, and good practice facilities to win championships and move on to the next level of play, but this video proves our materialistic way of thinking wrong. The people of the island appreciate the small thing in life and are very humble and show a great deal of humility. They truly have a hard work ethic, which is rarely found in today’s world.
Wow that is incredible! The heart and determination that these boys put into the game is unbelievable. They make football their life and the spirit of their small island. Strength is formed within a family and their island is its own family with strong players.
Samoans are huge. It is no wonder they would be great football players. They seem to have way more discipline in their lives and desire to succeed than most Americans.
Wow, the adversity they've overcome just to play this season is unreal. The drive and determination of the Somoan people is what sets them apart. I hope some of the football equipment companies saw this and have helped them out with new equipment.
Samoans seem to have been bred for football. Disciplined head hunters who will also work harder than anyone else to achieve their goal. Not only do they have the genes for it but they also have the want and desire to achieve at the next level.
Thought it was interesting that if you are born of Samoan decent you are 56 times more likely to play in the NFL. That is still not a good percentage but that is a lot better than everyone else. That was a good clip it really shows you how different some place are than here, yet they still have the same aspirations as people guys here.
WOW!! That was an amazing story. To see the heart and determination the Samoans have is awesome. I feel the discipline they have and the way they are raised have a lot to do with it. How many high school kids would get up and do a full day worth of work before school. I cannot even say I would have done that.
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