Dolphin Tackle Plays Through Tsunami Tragedy
DT Paul Soliai lost at least two family members in Pacific islands disaster
By BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 10:10 AM EST, Fri, Oct 2, 2009
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai will be playing with a heavy heart this Sunday after he received news that Tuesday's deadly earthquake and tsunami in Samoa killed two relatives and maybe more.
"It's a pretty tough time," Soliai said yesterday. "I've been talking to some of my family members. They say there's too much damage. They're still finding more bodies."
Soliai's aunt and uncle died in the Pacific islands disaster, which has killed at least 150 people. The death toll for Soliai's family could get worse, with many relatives unaccounted for.
"There are still people missing — cousins, relatives. They keep me updated," said Soliai, who has been able to communicate with family by cell phone.
Soliai, 25, was drafted by the Dolphins in the fourt round of the 2007 NFL draft, after spending two years at the University of Utah.
He grew up in Pago Pago, and said virtually all of his and his wife's family lives on the islands. He said he hasn't been home since the spring of 2008.
Soliai said he wants to use the tragedy to help the Dolphins in their matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
"This is going to motivate me," he said. "I'm going to play for my people back home and my family. It's going to be a special week for me."
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Miami
First Published: Oct 2, 2009 7:32 AM EST
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