Saul Patu

Saul King Patu (born June 8, 1978) is a retired professional American football player, National Football League (NFL)(2001–2002), Arena Football League (AFL) (2003–2008), defensive end/linebacker for the Colorado Crush/New York Jets/New England Patriots/Tennessee Titans.

High school years
Patu attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington, and was a student and a letterman in football. Saul Patu graduated from Rainier Beach High School in 1996 and was a four year starter for the Vikings where he received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Oregon.

College
Saul Patu was a four-year starter at Defensive End for the University of Oregon football team from 1997-2000. Saul Patu is the all-time leader in Tackles for Loss and second in sacks all-time.

Patu, graduated Oregon with a degree in Education and married his college sweetheart, former University of Oregon softball player, Alana Burns in 2000. Saul Patu left Oregon and signed as a free agent in the National Football League.

Professional Football
Saul Patu signed a free agent contract in the National Football League for the New York Jets (2001) and spent time with the New England Patriots (2001) and Tennessee Titans (2001–2002) before signing a contract in the Arena Football League for the Colorado Crush (2003–2008). Patu is the Crush's all-time sack leader and holds the record for yards per carry as a fullback.

While playing in Colorado, Saul and wife, Alana, started a non-profit organization called The Patu Foundation in 2005, focused to Empower, Aid & Educate youth to thrive in their Family, School & Community.

Saul Patu played last for the Arena Football League's team, Columbus Destroyers before retiring from eight years of professional football to accept a position at Jubilee World Outreach as their Youth and Young Adult Director.

After The Game
As of 2008, Saul Patu is a youth pastor at The Father's House, chaplain for the University of Oregon Men's Basketball team and spokesperson for The Patu Foundation. Saul & wife Alana, created a Sports Leadership Camp called: The S.T.A.C.Camp, for Youth athletes and adult mentors to learn Speed & Agility drills and technique as well as applicable life skills that match. Saul Patu's motivational speeches have empowered youth and organizations all over the country and internationally to include American Samoa.

Saul uses his life journey to teach about many topics to include: leadership, marriage, importance of family, failing forward, servant-hood, concerns of men and overcoming adversity.

Saul and wife Alana reside in Oregon and have 3 sons and 1 daughter.