‘Not a pad in sight’: NFL vets stunned by Super Bowl winner’s rugby highlights
Before former Super Bowl winner Haloti Ngata was leaving his mark on American Football fields, he was tearing it up on rugby pitches at school.
The retired 154kg defensive tackle made his name in the NFL, but that was not the only sport he excelled in, as footage has recently emerged of the 39-year-old playing rugby for Highland High School in Salt Lake City.
This footage made its way onto the Raw Room podcast recently, where NFL vets King Dunlap, Daren Bates and Jalen Collins were left stunned by the American-Tongan’s ability, but by rugby as a whole.
Take a look at their reaction:
Ngata’s NFL career was nothing short of remarkable, defined by his dominance, versatility, and sheer impact on the field. Drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Ngata quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
As a defensive tackle, Ngata possessed exceptional strength, agility, and football IQ, making him a disruptive force against both the run and pass. He was known for his ability to shed blockers effortlessly and disrupt offensive plays, earning a reputation as one of the most feared interior linemen in the league.
During his time with the Ravens, Ngata was a crucial part of one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, where his stellar play in the playoffs was pivotal to the team’s success.
In 2015, Ngata was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he continued to excel as a key component of their defensive line. Despite injuries in the latter stages of his career, his tenacity and leadership remained invaluable to the team.
In March 2019, after a stellar 13-year NFL career, Haloti Ngata announced his retirement. His impact on the game and the respect he earned from teammates and opponents alike solidified his place as one of the most exceptional defensive linemen of his era, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
