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Four-time Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu seen teaching high school football players

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez06/22/25lawandfern
Jesse Sapolu
Jan 20, 2023; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; NFL retiree Jesse Sapolu (center) conducted the coin toss at the Polynesian Bowl at Kunuiakea Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-USA TODAY NETWORK)

A familiar face was present during the Los Angeles Chargers’ Nike 11-On event at their El Segundo Facility. Jesse Sapolu, a four-time Super Bowl champion and co-founder of the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame, graced the event. Not only did he watch the new generation of football players, but he also shared his knowledge about the game.

As he shared on his Instagram account, the former NFL center and guard worked with California high school linemen. His caption read, “They’re not just the future of football, they’re the future leaders in life.”

Jesse Sapolu is a warrior on and off the field. After attending Farrington and staying in-state (Hawaii) for college football, the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the 11th round of the 1983 NFL Draft.

In 15 seasons with the 49ers, Sapolu won Super Bowls 19, 23, 24, and 29. He is one of the few Niners players who won with Joe Montana and Steve Young at quarterback. The Samoa-born offensive lineman also earned Pro Bowl honors in 1993 and 1994.

Upon his retirement in 1997, Jesse Sapolu started in 154 out of 182 career games. After his playing days, he became a Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame inductee and now runs Men in the Trenches (MITT). According to MITT’s official website, “Under Jesse Sapolu’s tutelage, athletes who want to learn the position of offensive line (OL) and defensive line (DL) will gain knowledge and understanding of OL & DL fundamentals. MITT Academy is designed for young aspiring linemen looking to learn the game of football from former NFL and college players and coaches.”

Meanwhile, Sapolu achieved these successes and played in the NFL despite contracting rheumatic fever at a young age. That condition developed a hole in his aortic valve, causing his heart to enlarge and grow weaker. However, he survived after undergoing two artificial cadaver valve replacement operations. Therefore, his experiences in football and life make him a perfect mentor to high school athletes.