Samson Satele is Centurians #14

About Samson's game was about respect, Colt said:
"Sam's mentality was old school. Winning was important to him, but at the end of the day the only thing that really mattered was that whoever you went up against, respected you." (HSB)

About the importance to him of earning respect, Samson said:
"Didn't matter how big or how strong you were. Respect was earned, and if I deserved it but the other guy didn't give it, I took it." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Satele's mission of earning respect was widespread, going both up and down the team's schedule, as well as up and down the Warriors roster. New players who didn't realize Samson was "King" (it was even taped on his helmet at practice) discovered so quickly. The Warriors under June Jones rarely endured punishment drills, but one morning in fall camp the team paid the price for the overnight tomfoolery of some rookies. At one point, Satele -- normally quiet -- let out a loud growl that sent a message that required no repeating. The young UH players knew there'd be more than a warning next time, and there was no next time."

About how he found the number 64 jersey that Samson wore in his locker after Samson graduated, Ray Hisatake said:
"I thought there's no way I'm wearing this. I have to call Samson and get his permission." (HSB)

About the advice he gave Hisatake, Samson said:
"When I replaced Vince Manuwai he told me not to worry about filling his shoes, but wear my own. I told Ray the same thing." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Samson indeed earned respect as a Warrior. His legacy reads 53 starts in 53 games played, four-time All-WAC (at guard and center), and captain of arguably the best offense in school history."

About how Samson was the leader on the Warrior teams they were on together, Colt said:
"When I came in as a sophomore, there was no question who the leader of the team was. Sam led this team in every way until the day he left us." (HSB)

About the importance of players like Samson to their OL's identity, JJ said:
"It was the Samson-type players that allowed us to have an attitude and be physical and gave us an identity in the O-line that we were just not passive pass protectors." (HSB)

About Samson's role as his personal protector, Colt said:
"With Sam at center, I've never felt safer on a football field." (HSB)

About the extra motivation Colt gave his OL, Samson said with a laugh:
"Papa John's. If we kept him clean Colt bought us pizza every week. He helped us keep our weight up." (HSB)

HSB Note: "SAMSON IS THE nephew of former UH standout linebacker Alvis Satele. If choosing to play for the same college as a successful relative isn't pressure enough, the all-state offensive lineman out of Kailua High School willingly added the weight of the state on his shoulders."

About playing for the state of Hawaii, Samson said:
"I wanted to be the next Manuwai, the next Jesse Sapolu, the next Joe Onosai. I played with pride. For friends, for family, for my people, for Hawaii. I wanted be the next local boy, next island boy to represent." (HSB)

HSB Note: "In two NFL seasons, Samson has represented well, making 32 starts in 32 games for the Dolphins. (That's 85 in a row dating to UH). It's a direct result of good health, he says, making good use of cold-tubs and whirlpools."

About being healthy enough to start every game in the NFL, Samson said:
"By the eighth game of my rookie season the old timers made sure I learned a simple lesson. Take care of your body, because your body is your money." (HSB)

About how he's about to begin his first training camp with Oakland, Samson said:
"I'm going in with a big chip on my shoulder." (HSB)

About his play, Samson said:
"When I put my helmet on, when the lights go on, I will be a Warrior." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20090717_Sam_was_the_man_in_Manoa.html