Former Jaguars offensive lineman Vince Manuwai, 38, died Sunday, the team confirmed in a statement.
Manuwai was reportedly found unresponsive in his Hawaii apartment and taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Manuwai in the third round of the NFL draft in 2003 and played for the Jaguars his entire NFL career through 2010.
Manuwai was 38.
Former Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who led the team during Manuwai's tenue in Jacksonville, paid tribute to him on Twitter:
So sad to learn of Vince Manuwai’s passing. Vinnie was one of the most powerful blockers we ever had and also one of the most loyal, loving & sincere members of our team. May God rest his soul and bring peace to his beautiful family during this difficult time. https://t.co/rJuK6DGwOk
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) November 5, 2018
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that collapsed while moving into a new apartment in Hawaii. The newspaper said that Manuwai was survived by six children.
Manuwai was a Hawaii product who stayed home to play for the Rainbows despite attracting attention from programs in the mainland United States. After he joined the Jaguars, he became a blocking mainstay on the Jaguars teams in the early 2000s.
Current Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said he didn't know Manuwai well -- but met him once during a workout on the West Coast and marveled at his strength and toughness.
"When the University of Hawaii guys work out, they come to the West Coast and we work them out in California," Marrone said. "They had a tackle, he [Manuwai] was coming out. Back in my younger days, I’d get in those drills and hold the bags.
"Vince, he knocked me right on my [butt]. [It] went viral."
The Jaguars issued a statement:
“We are saddened by the news of Vince Manuwai’s passing. Vince was a quiet, strong, reliable and respected member of the Jaguars family for eight seasons.
Throughout his career he was a key part of our offensive line, and the way he went about doing his job was a great example for his teammates and others. We offer our condolences, our thoughts and our thanks for the Manuwai family in remembrance of Vince.”
Wow. Sad news. Former #Jaguars lineman. https://t.co/wUCzawxUO4
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) November 4, 2018
Noooooo RT @LegerDouzable: R.I.P Vince Manuwai was a great teammate and always had a smile on his face, life is short.
— MIKE SIMS-WALKER (@MikeSimsWalker) November 4, 2018
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