Posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2001
Irrevelant has new meaning
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Sports Columnist
Even on a static-choked cellular phone from Utah, the laugh comes through rich and unmistakable.
It booms from Tevita Ofahengaue's 6-foot-3, 255-pound frame, triggered by any notion that just because he has been cast with the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" as the 246th — and last — player in the NFL draft, there could somehow be irrelevance in the accomplishments of this 25-year-old father of four.
The laughter comes with being the 26th recipient of the annual "Lowsman Trophy" — a bronze takeoff on the Heisman — and any suggestion that it could somehow be a consolation prize.
"This is the greatest; I'm so excited," Ofahengaue said, barely able to contain himself 24 hours after his name first moved across the bottom of the television screen, the exclamation point on the two-day draft.
"My wife (Carey) was going so crazy that when the Cardinals called and they heard what was going on here, they said they'd let us enjoy the moment and call back," Ofahengaue said.
Indeed, when you were sure you'd played your last organized football game as a Kahuku High senior (Class of '92), and the Arizona Cardinals say they have a jersey with your name on it, there is much to celebrate.
When you have mowed lawns in Hau'ula, painted house numbers on curbs in Lai'e, sold vacuum cleaners door to door in Honolulu and loaded airline baggage in Dallas to make ends meet, a six-figure NFL contract offer can seem heaven-sent.
When you wondered if you'd ever go to college and have not only managed to get a degree in sociology but are finishing up a master's in special education while playing football and helping to raise a family, you've done a lot.
"He's a neat young guy who just walked on, showed up on our doorstep one day, and has worked hard to get a lot done," said Norm Chow, who coached Ofahengaue at Brigham Young.
Truth be told, the 150 or so gifts they'll bestow upon the BYU tight end in Newport Beach, Calif., as part of "Irrelevant Week" festivities that include a trip to Disneyland, banquet and regatta, will be among the most deserved in the event's history.
"I'm getting more attention than Michael Vick — and he was the No. 1 pick," Ofahengaue said.
"Just talking to him, the people here have already fallen in love with him and we haven't even met him in person yet," said Pat Taylor, "Irrelevant Week" spokesman.
For a quarter century the slogan for the festivities has been: "Irrelevant Week Means Doing Something Nice for Somebody for No Reason."
This year, Ofahengaue's uncommon success provides ample reason.
