Jesse Sapolu Left His Heart in San Francisco – Comes to the Big Island for a Book Signing

Last week on Tuesday, December 4th, former San Francisco 49er’s star Jesse Sapolu spent the day on the Big Island and ended the evening with a public book signing and auction to benefit the Hawaii Island United Way at Cronies Bar & Grill in downtown Hilo, Hawaii.

Jesse Sapolu signs a book for me!

More then 100 folks turned out for the event and it was a huge success.

Jesse spent more then 2 hours signing books for fans.

His book is entitled “I Gave My Heart to San Francisco” and in the book he talks about growing up in Hawaii amongst other things.  Check out this video created by Camille Keawekane-Stafford:

You can just see how happy fans were to meet the future Hall of Famer as the guy is the only player from Hawaii to have FOUR Superbowl rings!

Fans are stoked to meet the four time super bowl champion!

I asked Jesse if he could answer a few questions and answers I had for him and this is what he told me:

Q: What was your favorite NFL team growing up?

A: Los Angeles Rams

Q: What inspired you to write a book?

A: My son Roman had a teammate die last year just playing recreational basketball at Oregon St, they found out he had an enlarged heart. I’ve been asked for a while to share my story but sitting there at my friend Jr Seau’s funeral made me realize how very fragile and short life is and if my story can save a life of a kid with an enlarged heart by getting early treatment then I owe it to them to share it.

Q: What are your favorite food(s)?

A: All Polynesian foods especially poke and bbq turkey tails (lol)

Q: Why did you choose the number 61?

A: It was available and it was my birth year.

Q: Who do you think will win the Superbowl this year?

A: 49ers versus Texans, Niners win it all

Q:  What would you like to say to kids here on the Big Island in General?

A: Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to dream then work on a plan to accomplish it.

I felt very honored and humbled to meet the legend himself as well as his lovely wife Lisa that he met on a flight when she was working.  They are currently doing more book signings to benefit the United Way and you can see the schedule of his tour on his website.

You can check out Jesse’s website if you weren’t able to make the book signing if you are interested in purchasing a book: http://www.jessesapolu.com

Jesse Sapolu Book Signing & Auction to Benefit the Hawaii Island United Way

Four-time San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champion, Jesse Sapolu, will be signing copies of his new book, “I Gave My Heart to San Francisco” at Cronies Bar & Grill in Hilo on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, from 4:30-7:00pm.

In his recently released book, the former Farrington High School and University of Hawaii-Manoa football standout who spent his entire 15 year NFL career in a San Francisco 49ers uniform, details the highlights and hardships of his remarkable playing career.

Sapolu triumphed on the field despite having a dangerous heart condition, a torn aortic heart valve, that stayed with him during his 15-year career which included nine appearances in the NFC title game, four Super Bowl rings, two Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections.

Emcee for the evening will be B-97 Radio Morning Personality, Darrin “DC” Carlson. At around 6:30pm, Jesse and DC will auction off San Francisco 49ers merchandise with proceeds going to the Hawaii Island United Way. Items to be auctioned off include a grand prize package including tickets for two to a 49ers football game, pre-game field passes and tailgate party with Jesse!

Other activities during the book-signing include a silent auction and door prizes. The first 50 attendees will receive an autographed photo of Jesse. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Hawaii Island United Way. The NFL is a strong supporting partner of the United Way movement across the United States.

Roman Sapolu

Football fans of all ages are invited to come and meet and talk story with Jesse. Sapolu’s youngest son, Roman, is a sophomore center at Oregon State University. For information, go to www.hiuw.org.