Former Jaguars offensive lineman Vince Manuwai dies at 38

Former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Vince Manuwai died today at the age of 38. Manuwai was reportedly was moving into an apartment in the Kakaako neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii this morning when he collapsed.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, foul play is not suspected.

No offensive lineman (with the exception of Tony Boselli) played with more tenacity and that “punch you in the jaw” attitude than Manuwai

Coming to the Jaguars as a third round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Manuwai became the interior steam-roller that the franchise had always been looking for. He started all but one game in his rookie season and instantly became the best lineman on the team. During that rookie campaign, Manuwai began making a name for himself on a national level, as he absolutely dominated future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Warren Sapp during a nationally televised Sunday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Manuwai would go on to start the next four seasons without missing a game, before he tore his ACL and MCL in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans in 2008. He was perhaps the most integral piece of a line that became one of the most dominant run blocking units in the NFL, and played a significant role in the team’s return to the post-season in 2005 and 2007.

While never recognized with an election to the Pro Bowl, Manuwai was twice an alternate and was routinely named to “Most Underrated” teams by national publications throughout his career.

Manuwai was a great guy off the field and one of the best offensive linemen in franchise history. He is survived by six children and he will be missed.