{{Short description|American Samoan gridiron football player (born 1964)}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox NFL biography | embed = | name = Pete Noga | image = Pete Noga.png | alt = Black and white photograph of Noga | caption = Noga in 1988 | number = 57 | current_team = <!-- or: currentteam --> | position = lb | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|6|24|mf=y}} | birth_place = American Samoa | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = | weight_lb = 212 | high_school = Farrington {{nowrap|(Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.)}} | college = Hawaii | cis = | undraftedyear = 1987 | teams = * St. Louis Cardinals ({{NFL Year|1987}}) * Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|1988}})* * Ottawa Rough Riders ({{CFL Year|1989}})* | highlights = * Second-team All-WAC (1986) | pastcoaching = | pastexecutive = | pastadmin = | regular_record = | playoff_record = | overall_record = | pfr = N/NogaPe20 | pfrcoach = | cfl = | afl = | HOF = | CollegeHOF = | CFHOF = }} '''Petelo''' "'''Pete'''" '''Noga''' (born June 24, 1964) is an American Samoan former player of American football who was a linebacker for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).
Noga played college football for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. As a starting outside linebacker, he emerged as one of the team's top tacklers, along with his brother, Al. As a senior in 1986, he was named a second-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection. He went undrafted in the 1987 NFL draft, but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cardinals. Noga failed to make the final roster and was cut prior to the beginning of the 1987 season.
However, Noga was brought back to the Cardinals to serve as a "replacement player" during the 1987 NFLPA strike. In all, Noga played three games for the Cardinals before the strike ended, being subsequently cut when striking players returned to the team. In one game, Noga returned an interception for a touchdown.
The following year, the Indianapolis Colts signed Noga in the offseason, cutting him prior to the start of the 1988 season. The Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) signed Noga in 1989, but also cut him before he made an appearance.
==Early life== Petelo Noga was born on June 24, 1964, in American Samoa,<ref name="pfbrf">{{cite web |title=Pete Noga |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NogaPe20.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=March 1, 2026}}</ref> to parents Iosefo and Noela Noga. The Nogas had ten kids, eight of them boys, including Pete. The Noga family relocated from Samoa to the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii,<ref name="football family"/> about four or five years after Pete's birth.<ref name="named pete">{{cite news |last1=Borsch |first1=Ferd |title=A Noga named Pete fills his niche with plenty of tackles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-feature/192455169/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=November 13, 1986 |p=27 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
Noga attended Farrington High School in Honolulu, and was a member of the school's football team, where he played as a defensive back. Curtis Murayama of ''The Honolulu Advertiser'' described Noga as a player with "pretty good agility" and that he was "aggressive and likes contact." Noga was included on Murayama's list of "red-chip" prospects, or players good enough to play for a major NCAA Division I program.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murayama |first1=Curtis |title=Don't sell our 'red chips' short |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-high-schoo/192432523/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=February 9, 1982 |p=37 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> He received a second-team All-Oahu Interscholastic Association East pick during his senior year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Ferd |title=Good grades for Bow football recruiters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-all-oia/192433222/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=February 14, 1982 |p=131 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga committed to the University of Hawaii on February 10, 1982.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Ferd |title=Rainbows shore up their defense in recruiting war |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-to-uh/192432797/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=February 11, 1982 |p=53 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==College career== As a member of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Noga converted to an outside linebacker.<ref>{{cite news |title=UH roster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-as-an-olb/192451638/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=August 26, 1984 |p=92 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In the lead-up to his junior year in 1985, Noga was described as a "leading contender" for a starting outside linebacker job by ''The Honolulu Advertiser''.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Honolulu Advertiser's Football 1985 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-as-leading/192452088/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=August 25, 1985 |p=80 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Indeed, following a season-opening loss to Kansas, Noga was announced as a starter prior to Hawaii's first conference matchup against Utah.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carvalho |first1=Paul |title='Bows Seek Fast Start in WAC Opener |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-starter/192452982/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=September 14, 1985 |p=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga ended the season tied with his brother, Al Noga, for first on the team in sacks, totaling eight. Pete was second on the team in tackles for loss with 12.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carvalho |first1=Paul |title=Experienced Lines Bolster 'Bows |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-experienced/192454505/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=August 27, 1986 |p=83 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
For his senior year in 1986, Noga was again among the leaders in sacks and tackles for most of the season, trailing only his brother, Al.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Ferd |title=Noga ohana hooks up by long distance |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-among-the/192456053/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=November 19, 1986 |p=29 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga suffered a knee strain in the game against San Diego State and missed the final two games of the season, including the finale with No. 4 Michigan. As a tribute, Al wore Noga's number 44 during the first half of the game.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carvalho |first1=Paul |title=As Close as Ever but... |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-misses-final/192457259/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=December 8, 1986 |p=23 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> For his senior year performance, Noga was both an Associated Press honorable mention All-American and a second-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kwon |first1=Bill |title=Noga All-American! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-all-american-noga/192456910/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=December 4, 1986 |p=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rainbows honored by WAC |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-second-team-all-wa/192456467/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Hawaii Tribune-Herald |agency=United Press International |date=November 26, 1986 |p=10 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===St. Louis Cardinals=== After going undrafted in the 1987 NFL draft, Noga signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on May 20, 1987, joining his older brother, Niko Noga.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cards sign Noga |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-cards-sign-noga/192457886/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=May 21, 1987 |p=28 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Pete once again changed positions, this time to middle linebacker, the same position as Niko. ''St. Louis Post-Dispatch'' writer Bernie Miklasz described Noga as having a "long-shot chance" of making the Cardinals' regular season roster.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miklasz |first1=Bernie |author-link=Bernie Miklasz |title=Brotherly love boosts Nogas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-in-minicam/192458476/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |agency=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=August 14, 1987 |p=32 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga was cut by the Cardinals on September 7, 1987.<ref>{{cite news |title=Francis placed on injured reserve |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-cut/192458688/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |agency=Associated Press |date=September 8, 1987 |p=41 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
When the NFLPA strike occurred near the beginning of the 1987 NFL season, Noga flew to St. Louis and hoped for a call from the Cardinals. Indeed, Noga was signed by the Cardinals as one of 37 players to replace those striking. Among the strikers was Pete's brother, Niko. Noga ended up taking Niko's number 57 jersey during his time with the Cardinals. Noga described crossing the picket line in front of a striking Niko "like hitting him in the back."<ref name="crossed picket line">{{cite news |last1=Webb |first1=James |title=Pete Noga goes in; Niko out |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-crosses-pick/192459452/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |agency=Associated Press |date=September 25, 1987 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
{{Quote |text=It was hard for me to go ahead and sign that contract to play for the St. Louis Cardinals when he was on strike. And at the same time I have to go in and make a living for myself. I can't live under him. ... I talked to him last night. He told me: 'It's up to you. It's your choice, it's your decision, you go ahead and do what's right your you.' ... So I figure what I have done is right. |author=Pete Noga (September 25, 1987)<ref name="crossed picket line"/> }}
Noga played three games for the Cardinals before being cut. During the Week 3 matchup against the Washington Redskins, Noga returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in the 21–28 loss.<ref>{{cite news |title=Redskins' Allen catches on in 28–21 win over Cardinals |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-int-return/192460103/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=October 5, 1987 |p=15 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga was cut by the Cardinals on October 21, 1987, after the strike ended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Noga cut by NFL Cardinals |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-cut-again/192460399/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=October 21, 1987 |p=36 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
=== Indianapolis Colts === Noga signed with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason before the 1988 NFL season. As Al was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, three Noga brothers were in the NFL at the same time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Borsch |first1=Ferd |title=Nogas lead the way |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-nogas-lead-the/192499066/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=July 10, 1988 |p=41 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Despite Colts head coach Ron Meyer describing Noga as a "well-conditioned athlete with good physical tools" and linebackers coach Rick Venturi describing him as a "tough, aggressive kid," Noga was waived by the Colts on July 26, 1986.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blauvelt |first1=Harry |title=Colts have placed Noga on waivers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-noga-waived/192499193/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=July 28, 1988 |p=41 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Colts waive Noga |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-waived-yesterda/192499468/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=July 27, 1988 |p=31 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
=== Ottawa Rough Riders === Noga signed with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on April 21, 1989.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Rainbows sign |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-signs-with/192499933/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=April 22, 1989 |p=23 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> Head coach Steve Goldman intended for Noga to serve in the defensive end position to replace former ends Ben Hummel and Michael Cline.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scanlan |first1=Wayne |title=Defensive linemen sought by Goldman |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-noga-in-ottawa/192500283/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=The Ottawa Citizen |date=June 19, 1989 |p=25 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Noga was cut by the Rough Riders on June 30, 1989.<ref>{{cite news |title=Transactions |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-noga-released/192500542/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Edmonton Journal |date=July 1, 1989 |p=25 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==Personal life== Noga's brothers Al and Niko were both former NFL players.<ref name="football family">{{cite news |last1=Abramo |first1=Nick |title=A football family that keeps giving |url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/04/07/sports/story4.html |access-date=March 1, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=April 7, 2002}}</ref> Noga pursued a degree in sociology during his time at the University of Hawaii, and expressed a desire to go into law enforcement after college. Noga speaks Samoan.<ref name="named pete"/>
In 1990, Noga married Charlotte Twigg at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church in Kalihi.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Don |title=In one ear... |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-married/192500670/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=April 30, 1990 |p=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> As of 2015, Noga resides in Southern California with his family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hogue |first1=Bob |title=Catching Up With Some Old Friends |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-advertiser-noga-update/192503619/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |date=July 8, 2015 |p=O50 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==In popular culture== Pete and Niko's story during the strike was briefly mentioned in an episode of Jon Bois' YouTube series, ''Pretty Good''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Randall Cunningham Seizes the Means of Production |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZymSrDfLhW8 |via=YouTube | date=September 28, 2017 |publisher=SB Nation |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Footballstats |nfl=peter-noga |pfr=N/NogaPe20}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Noga, Pete}} Category:1964 births Category:20th-century American sportsmen Category:Living people Category:American football linebackers Category:American people of Samoan descent Category:Canadian football defensive linemen Category:Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:NFL replacement players Category:Ottawa Rough Riders players Category:Players of American football from American Samoa Category:Players of American football from Honolulu Category:Players of Canadian football from American Samoa Category:Sportspeople of Samoan descent Category:St. Louis Cardinals (football) players