Michael Hoomanawanui

Michael Patrick Hoomanawanui (pronounced ; born July 4, 1988) is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He attended the University of Illinois.

Early years
Hoomanawanui attended Central Catholic High school in Bloomington, Illinois. He was a Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times First-team All-State selection and a  First-team All-Cornbelt Conference selection after making 50 receptions for 843 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior. Also, he led team with 139 tackles and eight sacks on defense. Hoomanawanui also lettered in basketball during freshman, sophomore and junior years.

College career
As a freshman he played in 10 games, starting three at tight end. In 2007 he played in 11 games, starting five at tight end. As a junior, in 2008, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by both the media and coaches after playing in all 12 games and eight starts at tight end. He ended the season with 25 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns. In the 2009 season Hoomanawanui played in eight games, starting five. He ended the season with 10 receptions for 114 yards.

St. Louis Rams
He was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. On June 26, 2010 he signed a four-year, $2.4 million contract including a $215,000 signing bonus. He made the opening day roster. He was cut on September 2, 2012.

New England Patriots
On September 5, 2012, Hoomanawanui signed with the New England Patriots. He made his first career postseason start in the AFC Championship in a 13-28 loss against the Baltimore Ravens