New England Patriots rookie linebacker Marte Mapu has football lineage, and his uncle is a former Patriot.
Mapu was drafted by New England with the 76th overall selection, and his uncle, Junior Seau, was there for his nephew’s early development.
Seau played in the NFL from 1990-2009. He played for New England from 2006-2009 and was able to record 178 tackles in 38 games with the Patriots. He made 16 starts in total. Now, his nephew is carrying his advice, as he looks to embark on a Patriots career of his own.
Mapu tallied 76 tackles in his final season with Sacramento State, and he looks to be an important piece of the Patriots’ linebacker group. Mapu’s father, Av’e Mapu, told CBS Sacramento the advice Seau gave his son.
“I always remember when he asked the question and he goes to him ‘what can I do to get better?’,” said Av’e. “Junior just told him, ‘hey, I know you’re too young right now to know but for me, it’s film study.'”
How Marte Mapu fits into the equation at the linebacker position remains a question. That being said, there is no doubt he got good advice to take to the next level.
