Daniel Saileupumoni Shelton (born August 20, 1993)[3] is an American professional football defensive tackle.
He earned second-place finishes in both the shot put (54–3 or 16.58 m) and discus throw (155–7 or 47.50 m) at the 2010 West Central District 4A Championships.
[8] He recorded four sacks against Eastern Washington, which was more than he had combined the previous three seasons and the most for a Huskies player since 1989, earning him first-team Associated Press All-American.
[10] When meeting with Roger Goodell on stage, he hugged the commissioner and lifted him off the ground in excitement.
Shelton was the University of Washington's first defensive lineman selected in the first round of an NFL draft since Steve Emtman in 1992.
He explained he wanted to adorn 55 as tributes to his brother Shennon and former NFL linebacker Junior Seau, both of whom have died and have worn 55 while playing football.
[16] On May 2, 2018, the Patriots declined the fifth-year option on Shelton's contract, making him a free agent in 2019.
[17] Shelton helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3.
[20] In week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Shelton recorded a strip sack on Carson Wentz which was recovered by teammate Lawrence Guy in the 17–10 win.
[36][37] He often speaks with pride about his Samoan heritage and dons a lavalava, a traditional Polynesian cloth worn like a kilt or skirt.