Jesse Sapolu

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Sapolu attended Farrington High School and the University of Hawaii. He was selected by the Oakland Invaders in the 17th round of the 1983 USFL draft and by the 49ers in the 11th round of the 1983 NFL draft. He signed with the 49ers on July 10, 1983. He is one of six 49ers to own four Super Bowl championship rings (1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994), and the only one to earn a ring with the '94 team rather than their first title in 1981.

In Their Own Story

Sapolu's journey from an 11th-round draft pick to a four-time Super Bowl champion is a story of grit and consistency. Drafted by the 49ers in 1983, he signed on July 10 of that year and never played for another NFL team. Over his career, he anchored the offensive line through two distinct championship eras, earning Pro Bowl nods in 1993 and 1994. His four Super Bowl rings came in 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994, making him one of only six 49ers to achieve that feat. After retiring in 1997, Sapolu co-founded the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame and now runs Men In The Trenches (MITT) in California.

Reader's Guide

Sapolu earned Pro Bowl honors in 1993 and 1994. Since retiring in 1997, he and his wife Lisa have lived in Southern California and remain active with the 49ers alumni. He is a co-founder of the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame and now runs Men In The Trenches (MITT) in California.

Did You Know?

• Sapolu was selected by the Oakland Invaders in the 17th round of the 1983 USFL draft.
• He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1993 and 1994.
• He is one of six 49ers to own four Super Bowl championship rings.