Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala
Encyclopedia
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is a retired American football
running back
who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars
of the National Football League
. He was selected in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft
by the Pittsburgh Steelers
out of the University of Utah.
in Honolulu. As a senior
, he rushed for 883 yards on just 93 carries (9.5 yards per car. avg.). He was selected as MVP
honors, and helped lead his team to its ninth consecutive state championship.
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala was named Freshman of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference
(WAC) after rushing for 834 yards and nine touchdowns.
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed for 982 yards on 168 carries and nine touchdowns, and he made 10 receptions for 80 yards, to finish fourth on the team in receiving, while appearing in only eight games for the Utes.
The 1996 season opened with three consecutive road games. During the season opening loss at the Utah State Aggies
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 14 times for 49 yards. He also recorded two receptions for 17 yards. Utah went on to win the next seven consecutive games. Against the Stanford Cardinal
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 21 times for 64 yards and a three yard touchdown. During the game at the SMU Mustangs
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 21 times for 92 yards. In the home opener against the Fresno State Bulldogs
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 29 times for 169 yards. Against the Kansas Jayhawks
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. In the game against the UTEP Miners
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 28 times for a season high 236 yards, and three touchdowns, while recording two receptions for 23 yards. The 236 rushing yards was the second-highest single-game total in school history (Eddie Johnson rushed for 248 yards in a game in 1984). During the win over the TCU Horned Frogs
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 20 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns, one a career long 70 yards. On October 18, 1996, the day before the Utes victory over Tulsa
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala underwent knee surgery, and missed the next three games, returning to play in the regular season finale against the BYU Cougars. Against the Cougars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 18 times for 87 yards and one touchdown. Two days after Christmas in he Copper Bowl loss to the Wisconsin Badgers
, he carried the ball only four times for five yards before suffering a sprained ankle
in the first quarter of play. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-WAC.
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala had somewhat of a down season, due to being hampered most of the season by an injured left ankle, and a strained hamstring
. He rushed for only 814 yard on 154 carries and four touchdowns, which was good enough for second best on the team, behind Juan Johnson, and 12th in the WAC. He also finished seventh on the team in receiving with four receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown. Fuamatu-Ma'afala, was however named All-WAC (Mountain Division) Honorable Mention.
by the Pittsburgh Steelers
.
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in 12 games for the Steelers. In his rookie season, he carried the ball seven times for 30 yards and two touchdowns, he also made nine receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown.
In 1999
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in only nine games. On the season, he rushed the ball one time for four yards, and had zero receptions. His lone carry of the season came against the first meeting of the season between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals
.
In 2000
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in seven games for the Steelers. In his seven games he carried the ball 21 times for 149 yards and one touchdown. He also had 11 receptions for 107 yards.Fuamatu-Ma'afala did not play until week three, and did not play again after week eight.
In his first appearance of the season during week three's loss to the Cleveland Browns
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball twice for 22 yards, and also recorded two receptions for eight yards. In the week four loss to the Tennessee Titans
, he carried the ball four times for 21 yards, and also recorded three receptions for 36 yards. During the Steelers week five win over the Jacksonville Jaguars
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball seven times for 51 yards and one touchdown. He also had two receptions for 39 yards. In the week six victory over the New York Jets
, he had seven carries for 35 yard, and also recorded two touchdowns for 23 yards. During the week seven win over the Bengals, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded two receptions for one yard. In his final appearance of the season, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball one time for 20 yards.
In 2001
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala had the best season of his professional career. He appeared in all 16 games for Pittsburgh. On the season, he rushed the ball 120 times, for 453 yards, and three touchdowns. He also had 16 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.
In the season opening loss to the Jaguars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded one reception for seven yards. During a week three win over the Buffalo Bills, he carried the ball one time for a 22 yard touchdown, and two receptions for two yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the next two games, returning for the Steelers win over the Titans. During the win, he carried the ball three times for nine yards. In the Steelers loss to the Ravens, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball three times for three yards, and also recorded two receptions for eight yards. During the week nine win over the Cleveland Browns, he carried the ball one time for -1 yard. In a week 10 victory over the Jaguars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball one time for one yard. During the week 11 rematch win over the Titans, he carried the ball one time for one yard. In a week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball 12 times for 74 yards. During the week 13 win over the Jets, he rushed the ball 21 times for 50 yards for one touchdown, and also recorded one reception for -8 yards. In the week 14 win in Baltimore, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball nine times for 15 yards, and recorded one reception for zero yards. During the win over the Detroit Lions
, he had his best game of the season, running the ball 26 times for 126 yards, and recorded two receptions for 53 yards. In a loss in Cincinnati, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 25 times for 55 yards, and recorded five receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. In the season finale against the Browns, he recorded 17 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded two receptions for 15 yards.
In 2002
, his last season in Pittsburgh, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in only eight games. On the season he carried the ball 23 times for 115 yards. He also recorded two receptions for 12 yards.
In the season opening loss to the New England Patriots
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded one reception for six yards. He missed the next game in Kansas City
. Fuamatu-Ma'afala returned to play in the week four win over the Cleveland Browns, carrying the ball five times for 20 yards. He missed the next two weeks, returning to play in weeks seven and eight. During week seven against the Indianapolis Colts
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball two times for 25 yards. In week eight in Baltimore
, he rushed the ball eight times for 21 yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the next eight weeks, returning to play in the season finale against the Ravens. In the season finale he ran the ball eight times for 49 yards, and recorded one reception for six yards.
During the Steelers AFC Wild Card win against the Browns, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball twice for four yards, and one touchdown, he also recorded two receptions for 20 yards. In the AFC Divisional Championship loss to the Titans, he recorded one reception for five yards.
.
In 2003
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in 13 games for the Jaguars. For the season, he carried the ball 35 times for 144 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded one reception for two yards.
Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the season opener in Carolina
. He made his season debut during week two against the Buffalo Bills
, however he did not record a stat. He did not record a stat until week five against the San Diego Chargers
. During week five against the Chargers, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball six times for 30 yards. In week six against the Miami Dolphins
, he carried the ball three times for 11 yards. In a week eight loss to the Tennessee Titans
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball one time for six yards, and recorded one reception for two yards. During a week nine victory in Baltimore, he carried the ball four times for 24 yards. In the week 10 win over the Colts, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball four times for 11 yards. During a week 11 loss to the Titans, he ran the ball nine times for 40 yards. In the Steelers week 12 loss to the New York Jets
, he carried the ball twice for two yards. During the week 13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball once for five yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala did not play the next two weeks, against the Texans
, and the Patriots
. He did return to play in the last two games of the season. During a week 16 win over the New Orleans Saints
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball five times for 15 yards. In the season finale he played but did not record a stat.
In 2004
, his seventh and final season in the National Football League
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in only seven games. He carried the ball 20 times for 69 yards, and one touchdown. He also recorded four receptions for 19 yards.
In his final season in the NFL, Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the first four weeks of the season, making his season debut during a week five loss in San Diego. Against the Chargers, he carried the ball four times for six yards and one touchdown, he also recorded three receptions for 20 yards. In a week six win over the Kansas City Chiefs
, he recorded one reception for -1 yard. Fuamatu-Ma'afala was out the next three games, against the Colts, Texans
and Detroit Lions
. He returned during a week 11 loss to the Tennessee Titans
, where he carried the ball three times for 12 yards. In the week 12 loss in Minnesota
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball twice for two yards. During a week 13 loss to his former team, the Steelers
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball six times for 20 yards. He missed the next two games, to return in time for week 16. In the week 16 shut out loss to the Texans, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball four times for 25 yards. During the season finale in Oakland
, and the last regular season game of his career, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball once for four yards.
Fuamatu-Ma'afala currently resides in Honolulu
, and works with Army Youth Sports, coaching and organizing sports events for children of military personnel and playing Racquetball with local enthusiasts.
He would be cheered by Steeler Fans with a "Fu'ing" which to the casual listener may sound like booing. But what the fans did was simply shout the first syllable of his last name, creating a "Fuuuuuuuuuuu" sound. This started with Myron Cope
's calling of Chris "Foo" when he would go on the field.
In order to be a positive role model
for youth throughout Hawaii and serve the community, Fuamatu-Ma'afala holds an annual sports clinic for youth to improve on their basic athletic abilities and works in other ways to help teens choose positive activities.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was selected in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft
1998 NFL Draft
The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998...
by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
out of the University of Utah.
Early life
Fuamatu-Ma'afala grew up in Kalihi, Oahu. He was raised in Oahu's most notorious housing project known for murders, gangs, and illegal drug activities, Mayor Wrights Housing (MWH). He utilized his athletic abilities as a means of staying away from negative influences. He attended Princess Ka'iulani Elementary School and Central Intermediate School.High school career
Fuamatu-Ma'afala attended Saint Louis SchoolSaint Louis School
Saint Louis School, located in the town of Kaimuki in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a historic Roman Catholic college preparatory school for boys founded in 1846 to serve the needs of early Hawaiian Catholics in the former Kingdom of Hawaii...
in Honolulu. As a senior
Twelfth grade
Twelfth grade or Senior year, or Grade Twelve, are the North American names for the final year of secondary school. In most countries students then graduate at age 17 or 18. In some countries, there is a thirteenth grade, while other countries do not have a 12th grade/year at all...
, he rushed for 883 yards on just 93 carries (9.5 yards per car. avg.). He was selected as MVP
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
honors, and helped lead his team to its ninth consecutive state championship.
Freshman (1995)
In 19951995 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1995 NCAA Division I-A football season was the first year of the Bowl Alliance and was a relatively calm year compared to the early 1990s.Tom Osborne led Nebraska to its second straight national title with a victory over Florida in the Fiesta Bowl....
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala was named Freshman of the Year in the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
(WAC) after rushing for 834 yards and nine touchdowns.
Sophomore (1996)
In 19961996 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with the Florida Gators crowned National Champions, but not as unanimously as the Bowl Alliance would have hoped....
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed for 982 yards on 168 carries and nine touchdowns, and he made 10 receptions for 80 yards, to finish fourth on the team in receiving, while appearing in only eight games for the Utes.
The 1996 season opened with three consecutive road games. During the season opening loss at the Utah State Aggies
Utah State Aggies football
The Utah State Aggies are a college football team that competes in the Western Athletic Conference of the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I, representing Utah State University. The Utah State college football program began in 1892 and has played home games at Romney Stadium since 1968...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 14 times for 49 yards. He also recorded two receptions for 17 yards. Utah went on to win the next seven consecutive games. Against the Stanford Cardinal
Stanford Cardinal football
The Stanford Cardinal football program represents Stanford University in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference's North Division. Stanford, the top-ranked academic institution with an FBS program, has a highly successful football tradition. The...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 21 times for 64 yards and a three yard touchdown. During the game at the SMU Mustangs
SMU Mustangs football
The SMU Mustangs football program is a college football team that represents Southern Methodist University . The team competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member Conference USA...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 21 times for 92 yards. In the home opener against the Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State Bulldogs football
The Fresno State Bulldogs football team represents California State University, Fresno in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The green “V” on the Bulldogs' helmets, uniforms, field symbolize California Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural valley from which they...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 29 times for 169 yards. Against the Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas Jayhawks football
The Kansas Jayhawks football program is the intercollegiate football program of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference....
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. In the game against the UTEP Miners
UTEP Miners football
The UTEP Miners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Texas at El Paso . With a history dating back to 1914, UTEP currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of Conference USA . UTEP currently plays their home games at the Sun Bowl...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 28 times for a season high 236 yards, and three touchdowns, while recording two receptions for 23 yards. The 236 rushing yards was the second-highest single-game total in school history (Eddie Johnson rushed for 248 yards in a game in 1984). During the win over the TCU Horned Frogs
TCU Horned Frogs
The TCU Horned Frogs are the athletic teams that represent Texas Christian University, consisting of 18 varsity teams. The "horned frog" nickname and mascot refer to the Texas horned lizard, as known as the "horned frog". The women's athletics teams are often referred to often as the Lady Frogs...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 20 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns, one a career long 70 yards. On October 18, 1996, the day before the Utes victory over Tulsa
University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa is a private university awarding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. It is currently ranked 75th among doctoral degree granting universities in the nation by US News and World Report and is listed as one of the "Best 366 Colleges" by...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala underwent knee surgery, and missed the next three games, returning to play in the regular season finale against the BYU Cougars. Against the Cougars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball 18 times for 87 yards and one touchdown. Two days after Christmas in he Copper Bowl loss to the Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers football
The Wisconsin Badgers are a college football program that represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium, the fourth-oldest stadium in college football...
, he carried the ball only four times for five yards before suffering a sprained ankle
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
in the first quarter of play. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-WAC.
Junior (1997)
In 19971997 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I-A level, began in late summer 1997 and culminated with the major bowl games in early January 1998. The national championship was...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala had somewhat of a down season, due to being hampered most of the season by an injured left ankle, and a strained hamstring
Hamstring
In human anatomy, the hamstring refers to any one of the three posterior thigh muscles, or to the tendons that make up the borders of the space behind the knee. In modern anatomical contexts, however, they usually refer to the posterior thigh muscles, or the tendons of the semitendinosus, the...
. He rushed for only 814 yard on 154 carries and four touchdowns, which was good enough for second best on the team, behind Juan Johnson, and 12th in the WAC. He also finished seventh on the team in receiving with four receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown. Fuamatu-Ma'afala, was however named All-WAC (Mountain Division) Honorable Mention.
Professional career
Fuamatu-Ma'afala was selected in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft1998 NFL Draft
The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998...
by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
.
Pittsburgh Steelers (1998 - 2002)
In 19981998 NFL season
The 1998 NFL season was the 79th regular season of the National Football League.The Tennessee Oilers moved their home games from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, still awaiting construction on a new stadium in Nashville.This was the first season that CBS...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in 12 games for the Steelers. In his rookie season, he carried the ball seven times for 30 yards and two touchdowns, he also made nine receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown.
In 1999
1999 NFL season
The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in only nine games. On the season, he rushed the ball one time for four yards, and had zero receptions. His lone carry of the season came against the first meeting of the season between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
.
In 2000
2000 NFL season
The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants.Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in seven games for the Steelers. In his seven games he carried the ball 21 times for 149 yards and one touchdown. He also had 11 receptions for 107 yards.Fuamatu-Ma'afala did not play until week three, and did not play again after week eight.
In his first appearance of the season during week three's loss to the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball twice for 22 yards, and also recorded two receptions for eight yards. In the week four loss to the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
, he carried the ball four times for 21 yards, and also recorded three receptions for 36 yards. During the Steelers week five win over the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball seven times for 51 yards and one touchdown. He also had two receptions for 39 yards. In the week six victory over the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, he had seven carries for 35 yard, and also recorded two touchdowns for 23 yards. During the week seven win over the Bengals, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded two receptions for one yard. In his final appearance of the season, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball one time for 20 yards.
In 2001
2001 NFL season
The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala had the best season of his professional career. He appeared in all 16 games for Pittsburgh. On the season, he rushed the ball 120 times, for 453 yards, and three touchdowns. He also had 16 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.
In the season opening loss to the Jaguars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded one reception for seven yards. During a week three win over the Buffalo Bills, he carried the ball one time for a 22 yard touchdown, and two receptions for two yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the next two games, returning for the Steelers win over the Titans. During the win, he carried the ball three times for nine yards. In the Steelers loss to the Ravens, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball three times for three yards, and also recorded two receptions for eight yards. During the week nine win over the Cleveland Browns, he carried the ball one time for -1 yard. In a week 10 victory over the Jaguars, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball one time for one yard. During the week 11 rematch win over the Titans, he carried the ball one time for one yard. In a week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball 12 times for 74 yards. During the week 13 win over the Jets, he rushed the ball 21 times for 50 yards for one touchdown, and also recorded one reception for -8 yards. In the week 14 win in Baltimore, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball nine times for 15 yards, and recorded one reception for zero yards. During the win over the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
, he had his best game of the season, running the ball 26 times for 126 yards, and recorded two receptions for 53 yards. In a loss in Cincinnati, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball 25 times for 55 yards, and recorded five receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. In the season finale against the Browns, he recorded 17 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded two receptions for 15 yards.
In 2002
2002 NFL season
The 2002 NFL season was the 83rd regular season of the National Football League.The league went back to an even number of teams, expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans. The clubs were then realigned into eight divisions, four teams in each...
, his last season in Pittsburgh, Fuamatu-Ma'afala played in only eight games. On the season he carried the ball 23 times for 115 yards. He also recorded two receptions for 12 yards.
In the season opening loss to the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala recorded one reception for six yards. He missed the next game in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. Fuamatu-Ma'afala returned to play in the week four win over the Cleveland Browns, carrying the ball five times for 20 yards. He missed the next two weeks, returning to play in weeks seven and eight. During week seven against the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball two times for 25 yards. In week eight in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
, he rushed the ball eight times for 21 yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the next eight weeks, returning to play in the season finale against the Ravens. In the season finale he ran the ball eight times for 49 yards, and recorded one reception for six yards.
During the Steelers AFC Wild Card win against the Browns, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball twice for four yards, and one touchdown, he also recorded two receptions for 20 yards. In the AFC Divisional Championship loss to the Titans, he recorded one reception for five yards.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2003 - 2004)
Fuamatu-Ma'afala was released by the Steelers on Sunday, August 31, 2003. Three days later he was signed by the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In 2003
2003 NFL season
-Milestones:The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season:-Team:-Individual:-Awards:-External Links:**-References:*NFL Record and Fact Book *...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in 13 games for the Jaguars. For the season, he carried the ball 35 times for 144 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded one reception for two yards.
Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the season opener in Carolina
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. He made his season debut during week two against the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, however he did not record a stat. He did not record a stat until week five against the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. During week five against the Chargers, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball six times for 30 yards. In week six against the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, he carried the ball three times for 11 yards. In a week eight loss to the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball one time for six yards, and recorded one reception for two yards. During a week nine victory in Baltimore, he carried the ball four times for 24 yards. In the week 10 win over the Colts, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball four times for 11 yards. During a week 11 loss to the Titans, he ran the ball nine times for 40 yards. In the Steelers week 12 loss to the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, he carried the ball twice for two yards. During the week 13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala rushed the ball once for five yards. Fuamatu-Ma'afala did not play the next two weeks, against the Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and the Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. He did return to play in the last two games of the season. During a week 16 win over the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball five times for 15 yards. In the season finale he played but did not record a stat.
In 2004
2004 NFL season
The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005...
, his seventh and final season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala appeared in only seven games. He carried the ball 20 times for 69 yards, and one touchdown. He also recorded four receptions for 19 yards.
In his final season in the NFL, Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed the first four weeks of the season, making his season debut during a week five loss in San Diego. Against the Chargers, he carried the ball four times for six yards and one touchdown, he also recorded three receptions for 20 yards. In a week six win over the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, he recorded one reception for -1 yard. Fuamatu-Ma'afala was out the next three games, against the Colts, Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. He returned during a week 11 loss to the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
, where he carried the ball three times for 12 yards. In the week 12 loss in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala ran the ball twice for two yards. During a week 13 loss to his former team, the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball six times for 20 yards. He missed the next two games, to return in time for week 16. In the week 16 shut out loss to the Texans, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball four times for 25 yards. During the season finale in Oakland
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and the last regular season game of his career, Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the ball once for four yards.
Career stats
| Pro. Career Off. Statistics | Rushing | Fumbles | |||||||
| Year | Team | G | Att | Yards | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST |
| 1998 1998 NFL season The 1998 NFL season was the 79th regular season of the National Football League.The Tennessee Oilers moved their home games from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis to Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, still awaiting construction on a new stadium in Nashville.This was the first season that CBS... |
Pittsburgh Steelers 1998 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 1998 season marked the first time since 1991 that the Steelers failed to reach the playoffs. Pittsburgh finished 7–9 after starting the season 5–2, losing their last five games to knock themselves out of the playoffs... |
12 | 7 | 30 | 4.3 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 1999 1999 NFL season The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season... |
Pittsburgh Steelers 1999 Pittsburgh Steelers season For the second consecutive season the Steelers failed to make the playoffs after starting off the season by winning 5 of their first 8 games. Losing seven of the remaining eight dropped Pittsburgh to 6–10 for the year, their worst record under Bill Cowher.... |
9 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 2000 NFL season The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXXV when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants.Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000... |
Pittsburgh Steelers 2000 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2000 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 6–10 record from 1999 in which they failed to qualify for the playoffs. While Pittsburgh did improve to 9–7 and had their first winning season since 1997, it was not enough for the team to qualify for the playoffs... |
7 | 21 | 149 | 7.1 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 2001 NFL season The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day... |
Pittsburgh Steelers 2001 Pittsburgh Steelers season In 2001, after 3 mediocre seasons in which they had a combined regular-season record of 22-26, the Steelers returned to the top seed in the AFC, rolling to a 13-3 record in their first season playing at Heinz Field... |
16 | 120 | 453 | 3.8 | 46 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2002 2002 NFL season The 2002 NFL season was the 83rd regular season of the National Football League.The league went back to an even number of teams, expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans. The clubs were then realigned into eight divisions, four teams in each... |
Pittsburgh Steelers 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season had the team coming off a 13–3 record and making an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. The team fell off slightly to a 10–5–1 record, although it was still good enough for a division championship. With their finish the Steelers became the first champions of... |
8 | 23 | 115 | 5.0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 2003 NFL season -Milestones:The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season:-Team:-Individual:-Awards:-External Links:**-References:*NFL Record and Fact Book *... |
Jacksonville Jaguars | 13 | 35 | 144 | 4.1 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 2004 NFL season The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005... |
Jacksonville Jaguars | 7 | 20 | 69 | 3.5 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 72 | 227 | 964 | 4.2 | 46 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Pro. Career Off. Statistics | Receiving | ||||||
| Year | Team | G | Rec | Yards | Y/R | TD | LNG |
| 1998 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 12 | 9 | 84 | 9.3 | 1 | 26 |
| 1999 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 11 | 107 | 9.7 | 0 | 25 |
| 2001 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 16 | 16 | 127 | 7.9 | 1 | 54 |
| 2002 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 8 | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2003 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 13 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2004 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 7 | 4 | 19 | 4.8 | 0 | 8 |
| Total | 72 | 43 | 351 | 8.2 | 2 | 54 |
Personal
Fuamatu-Ma'afala is the uncle of Abu Ma'afala, who played at Cal.Fuamatu-Ma'afala currently resides in Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
, and works with Army Youth Sports, coaching and organizing sports events for children of military personnel and playing Racquetball with local enthusiasts.
He would be cheered by Steeler Fans with a "Fu'ing" which to the casual listener may sound like booing. But what the fans did was simply shout the first syllable of his last name, creating a "Fuuuuuuuuuuu" sound. This started with Myron Cope
Myron Cope
Myron Cope , born Myron Sidney Kopelman, was an American sports journalist, radio personality, and sportscaster who is best known for being "the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers."...
's calling of Chris "Foo" when he would go on the field.
In order to be a positive role model
Role model
The term role model generally means any "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others".The term first appeared in Robert K. Merton's socialization research of medical students...
for youth throughout Hawaii and serve the community, Fuamatu-Ma'afala holds an annual sports clinic for youth to improve on their basic athletic abilities and works in other ways to help teens choose positive activities.
External links
- Jacksonville Jaguars Player card at ESPN.comESPN.comESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
- Profiile at CBSSports.comCBSSports.comCBSSports.com was founded in 1994 as SportsLine USA, and today is a CBS-owned website that provides sports scores, news, statistics, live and on-demand video, mobile apps, e-commerce, fantasy sports products, services, and information..Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, CBSSports.com it is...
- Profile at Yahoo! SportsYahoo! SportsYahoo! Sports was launched on December 8, 1997. It receives a majority of its information from STATS, Inc., employs various writers, and has team pages for teams in almost every North American sport...
- Career Statistics at The Football Database
- Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com