[6] At Sacramento City College, he was spotted one day while lifting weights by the American football coach, who asked him if he had ever played the sport before.
"[6] He was still kept on the team, however; the Arizona Republic said that "The fact that Mataele can bench press 505 pounds might have entered into the decision.
[9] He also joined the Arizona track and field team, setting the school record for hammer throw.
[10][11][12][13] Mataele was selected in the eighth round (197th overall) of the 1987 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
[18][19][20] He returned to the Packers in April 1988, but left the team in July 1988, ending his professional career.