NFL Veteran Joins The Rattlers Roster
Published on November 2, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers have signed former Jacksonville Jaguar, Joseph Tuipala, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.
FB/LB Tuipala (6'1", 252) will join the Rattlers after spending time in the NFL, XFL and CFL.
"He is an excellent player to get to the quarterback," said Nudo. "He will bring something special to the pass - rush side of our defense.
Tuipala began his NFL career as an undrafted rookie signed by the Detroit Lions in 1999. During the 1999 season Tuipala also spent time with the New Orleans Saints before being assigned to the Barcelona Dragons of the NFL Europe.
Tuipala was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001 as a first-year free agent after leading the XFL's Las Vegas Outlaws with 43 tackles and ranked second with six sacks, earning All-XFL honors.
The 2001 season turned out to be a break out year for Tuipala where he became a special teams standout for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the season leading the Jaguars with 20 tackles on special teams despite missing half the season. Tuipala led the team again in 2002 with 22 tackles on special teams.
Tuipala spent the 2003 season on the Jaguars injured reserve list with a shoulder injury. He also spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL before making the transition to the AFL.
Tuipala was a collegiate standout at San Diego State where he was a four year letterman who started 32 games. He recorded 271 tackles, 11 pass breakups, five sacks, and one touchdown with the Aztecs. He was also names the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the 1998 Las Vegas Bowl.
The Rattlers will kick off their 16th season in 2007. Rattlers season tickets can be purchased by calling 602-514-8383.
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