Veteran guard Mike Iupati is hanging up his cleats after an impressive 11-year NFL career.
“My body was telling me it was time to close the door,” Iupati, who played his college football at Idaho, told the Spokesman-Review.
Iupati, who played his final two seasons for the Seahawks as their starting left guard, told the Spokesman that his goal “was to hit 10 years,” a goal he exceeded while still playing at a high level. Injuries, however, including neck stingers in his final season, led to his decision to call it a career.
A four-time Pro-Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro, Iupati spent most of his career in San Francisco (2010-2014) and Arizona (2015-2018), but the last stop of his career was also a special one even if it didn’t last as long.
“I fell in love with Seattle,” he said. “The organization was first class. They were so good to me.”
While Iupati’s playing days are over, he will still be connected to the game through his alma mater. As the Spokesman reports, Iupati and his wife, Ashley, gave a significant donation to the UI athletics department’s Fueling Center that provides healthy snacks and beverages and sports nutrition information to Vandal athletes.
And now that he’ll have more free time, Iupati is looking forward to spending more quality time with his four sons.
“I know I’m going to miss it, but I’m kind of excited. I’ve got four boys (ages 8, 6, 3 and newborn) and I’m taking care of them every day,” he told the Spokesman.
Congrats, Mike, on a great career.
