{{Short description|Samoan American football player (born 1994)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox sportsperson | name = Shalom Luani | image = Shalom Luani.JPG | image_size = | caption = Luani with the Oakland Raiders in 2017 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|8|5}} | birth_place = Pago Pago, American Samoa<ref>{{cite web | title=Raiders draft Shalom Luani | website=Samoa News | date=2017-04-30 | url=https://www.samoanews.com/local-news/raiders-draft-shalom-luani | access-date=2025-04-29}}</ref> | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 0 | weight_lb = 201 | module = {{Infobox football biography|embed=yes |position=Forward |height= {{height|ft=5|in=11}}<ref name="Spokesman 2014">[http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2014/dec/17/wsu-says-shalom-luani/ WSU says "Shalom" to Luani] Spokesman.com. December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.</ref> |youthyears1= |youthclubs1= |years1= 2009–2011 |clubs1= Tafuna Jets |caps1= |goals1= |years2= 2011–2012 |clubs2= Faga'itua Vikings (futsal) |caps2= |goals2= |nationalyears1= 2011 |nationalteam1=American Samoa U17 |nationalcaps1=4 |nationalgoals1 =0 |nationalyears2= 2011 |nationalteam2=American Samoa U20 |nationalcaps2=3 |nationalgoals2 =0 |nationalyears3= 2012 |nationalteam3= American Samoa U23 |nationalcaps3= 3 |nationalgoals3=1 |nationalyears4= 2011 |nationalteam4=American Samoa |nationalcaps4=8 |nationalgoals4=2 }} | module2 = {{Infobox NFL biography | embed = yes | current_team = | number = 26, 24 | position = Safety | high_school = Faga'itua<br/>(Faga'itua, American Samoa) | college = Washington State | draftyear = 2017 | draftround = 7 | draftpick = 221 | pastteams = * Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2017}}) * Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2018}}) * Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2019}}) * Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})* * New Jersey Generals ({{USFL Year|2022}}–{{USFL Year|2023}}) * Michigan Panthers ({{UFL Year|2024}})* | status = | highlights = * All-USFL Team (2022) * First-team All-Pac-12 (2016) | statseason = | statweek = | statlabel1 = Total tackles | statvalue1 = 28 | statlabel2 = Pass deflections | statvalue2 = 2 }} }} '''Shalom Luani''' (born August 5, 1994) is a former American football safety. He has also represented American Samoa in soccer, having scored against Tonga in American Samoa's first-ever win in FIFA-sanctioned play.<ref>[http://drawley.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/american-samoa-the-last-perennial-losers/ American Samoa: The Last Perennial Losers?] Extra Time. March 12, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.</ref> Luani, who played as a forward, scored twice for American Samoa in November 2011, making him (at the time) the country's joint–top goalscorer of all time with fellow forward Ramin Ott.<ref>[http://www.turfandterrace.com/football/binders-guide-national-teams-american-samoa/ Binder's Guide to National Teams – American Samoa] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228000624/http://www.turfandterrace.com/football/binders-guide-national-teams-american-samoa/ |date=December 28, 2014 }} TurfAndTerrace.com. September 11, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.</ref>
He played college football at Washington State, and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft. His American football career has also encompassed spells at Faga'itua High School, Chabot College, and the City College of San Francisco. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston Texans of the NFL, and the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL).
==Association football career== ===Club career=== From 2009 to 2011, Luani played for ASFA Soccer League club Tafuna Jets, along with his brother Sumeo.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120911020557/http://www.oleole.com/ofcnewsdetails/american-samoa---2009-national-leagues-underway 2009 National League Underway] OleOle.com. August 18, 2009. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref> In October 2011, Luani scored a hat-trick in Tafuna's 4–4 draw with Atu'u Broncos.<ref>[http://ip-208-109-238-104.ip.secureserver.net/viewstory.php?storyid=30905&edition=1317718800&newssection=Sports FFAS Men's League: Pool B Powers Duke It Out] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120719161545/http://ip-208-109-238-104.ip.secureserver.net/viewstory.php?storyid=30905&edition=1317718800&newssection=Sports |date=July 19, 2012 }} Samoa News. October 4, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref>
In February 2011, Luani played for the Faga'itua Vikings in the inaugural {{abbr|ASHSAA|American Samoa High School Athletic Association}} Boys' Futsal tournament, held at Samoana High School. The Vikings won the tournament after defeating Tafuna Warriors 5–4 on February 22. Luani's brother Roy was also playing for the Vikings and Shalom assisted his sibling for the game's opening goal before scoring a free kick himself. The American Samoa Football Federation suggested that the brothers were the difference between the two teams, saying: "Shalom Luani was everywhere, whether it be defending or assisting on goals while his older sibling's tenacity, nose for the ball and no fear play were huge keys in winning the first ever Futsal championship in ASHSAA history".<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/a0903e5d-4fe2-430b-8264-01beee3c2163/language/en-US/Default.aspx Vikings Win Thrilling Boys' HS Futsal Final] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064447/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/a0903e5d-4fe2-430b-8264-01beee3c2163/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=March 4, 2016 }} Football Federation American Samoa. February 28, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2012.</ref>
On May 7, 2012, Luani played for the Faga'itua Vikings in the final of the ASHAA Boys' Soccer Championship, against Samoana Sharks at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pago Pago. Shalom scored to help his side to a 3–2 win and the Championship title, although the forward was injured and taken to hospital following a collision with Samoana's Palauni Taposua. Despite missing some of the game, Luani was voted the match's MVP, an award that was collected by his father Penitito.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/466f8884-444d-4605-aeb4-dcf6880e9abe/language/en-US/Default.aspx Vikings win Championship in dramatic Final] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120730201545/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/466f8884-444d-4605-aeb4-dcf6880e9abe/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=July 30, 2012 }} Football Federation American Samoa. May 9, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.</ref>
===International career=== [[File:North Harbour Stadium East Side.jpg|left|thumb|Luani represented American Samoa at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany, New Zealand during the 2011 OFC U-17 Championship.]]
====Under-17==== Luani made his debut for American Samoa's under-17 team in a 9–0 loss to Fiji on January 8, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-8517/|title=AMERICAN SAMOA 0 – 9 FIJI|website=oceaniafootball.com|date=January 8, 2011|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> He made his second appearance for the side in a 2–1 defeat against Papua New Guinea four days later. With the score at 1–1, goalscorer Ryan Petaia was fouled by goalkeeper Benjamin Wilbert, resulting in a penalty that Luani took, but his effort stuck the crossbar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-799/|title=PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2 – 1 AMERICAN SAMOA|website=oceaniafootball.com|date=January 12, 2011|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> Luani's third and fourth appearances for the U-17 side were in a 4–0 loss to New Zealand and in a 7–0 loss to Vanuatu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-1373/|title=NEW ZEALAND 4 – 0 AMERICAN SAMOA|website=oceaniafootball.com|date=January 14, 2011|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-9797/|title=DAY NINE REVIEW|website=oceaniafootball.com|date=January 16, 2011|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> All four games came in the 2011 OFC U-17 Championship in New Zealand.
====Under-20==== Luani made his debut for American Samoa's under-20 team in a 7–0 loss to Vanuatu on April 21, 2011. He made his second appearance for the side in a 5–1 defeat against Papua New Guinea two days later. Luani's third and final game for the U-20 side came in a 5–1 loss to Fiji on April 25, 2011. All three games came in the 2011 OFC U-20 Championship in New Zealand. Luani played in defence during the tournament and wore the no.3 shirt for American Samoa.<ref>[http://210.48.80.94/OFC/Portals/0/Images/Articles/U20%20MD2%20ASA-PNG%20Match%20Summary.pdf Match Summary: American Samoa – Papua New Guinea] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810172444/http://210.48.80.94/OFC/Portals/0/Images/Articles/U20%20MD2%20ASA-PNG%20Match%20Summary.pdf |date=August 10, 2011 }} Oceania Football Confederation. April 23, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2012.</ref>
====Under-23==== In March 2012, Luani was selected as part of American Samoa's under-23 Olympic squad, along with his brother Roy.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/f58327fc-ab60-4315-8ada-4be002aff5b6/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa U-23 team finalized] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090527/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/f58327fc-ab60-4315-8ada-4be002aff5b6/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=March 4, 2016 }} Football Federation American Samoa. March 10, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref> Luani played for the side on March 18, 2012, in a 7–1 loss to Fiji in an Olympic qualifier.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/72d4fca0-e74a-4b8d-b974-1f6b042ef0e3/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa 1–7 Fiji] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422171216/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/72d4fca0-e74a-4b8d-b974-1f6b042ef0e3/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=April 22, 2012 }} Football Federation American Samoa. March 18, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.</ref> Two days later, Luani opened the scoring for American Samoa in another Olympic qualifier against the Solomon Islands on March 20, 2012. The goal would prove to be his side's only bright spot in a 16–1 loss.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/c68382bf-392a-4feb-95a8-06b4c36136c3/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa 1–16 Solomon Islands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422171325/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/c68382bf-392a-4feb-95a8-06b4c36136c3/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=April 22, 2012 }} Football Federation American Samoa. March 20, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.</ref>
====Senior side==== Following his performances for the under-20 side, Luani was called up to the American Samoa senior team for the 2011 Pacific Games by coach Iofi Lalogafuafua.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/069a0a0f-fc32-49e7-907d-dfa2fc89243f/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa Men's Squad for XIV Pacific Games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003346/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/069a0a0f-fc32-49e7-907d-dfa2fc89243f/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=March 4, 2016 }} Football Federation American Samoa. August 23, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2012.</ref> Luani's under-20 teammates Suani Uelese, Frederick Charles Uhrle, Ismael D'Angelo Herrera, Moe Kuresa and Daru Taumua were also called up the squad.<ref>[http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/Competitions/TeamList/tabid/1014/Competition/b4ecf3e8-9c15-42b7-847a-ee2a0e7a6296/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa Team Details] Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved January 20, 2011.</ref>
Luani made his debut for the senior side in their opening fixture of the tournament, in a 4–0 loss to Tuvalu on August 27, 2011. Playing as a forward, he was replaced late in the game by substitute Lemusa Alatasi.<ref>[http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/f99fd3c1-5cd6-4b5f-8173-de49e77abd30/language/en-US/Default.aspx Tuvalu 4–0 American Samoa] Oceania Football Confederation. August 27, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.</ref> He earned his second cap three days later in a 4–0 loss to the Solomon Islands, this time playing the full ninety minutes. Luani also played ninety minutes in all of American Samoa's remaining group stage matches, a 2–0 loss to Guam on September 1, an 8–0 defeat to New Caledonia two days later and another 8–0 loss, to Vanuatu, on September 5, 2011.
Following American Samoa's elimination from the Pacific Games, and now under the stewardship of Dutch-born American coach Thomas Rongen, Luani earned his sixth senior cap in American Samoa's historic 2–1 victory over Tonga on November 23, 2011. Luani scored his first international goal by chipping Tonga goalkeeper Kaneti Falela in the second half to give American Samoa a 2–0 lead.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120717172638/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/987258/ofc-wcq:-american-samoa-record-historic-win?cc=5739 OFC WCQ: American Samoa record historic win] ESPN Soccernet. November 23, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref> The win was American Samoa's first ever in a FIFA-sanctioned match.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15867180 American Samoa football team celebrate first ever win] BBC News. November 24, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2011.</ref> Luani continued this form into the next match, against the Cook Islands on November 25, 2011. He gave American Samoa the lead in the first half after dispossessing Cook Islands defender Nathan Tisam and beating goalkeeper Tony Jamieson. This goal, Luani's second in international football, made him American Samoa's joint–top scorer of all time, tied with Ramin Ott.<ref>[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/957595-2014-fifa-world-cup-baby-steps-will-do-for-american-samoa?search_query=AMERICAN%20SAMOA 2014 FIFA World Cup: Baby Steps Will Do For American Samoa] Bleacher Report. November 27, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref> Incidentally, a British film unit had been documenting the team over the course of the year, so both his goals were shown in ''Next Goal Wins'', which was released in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/aug/20/wsu-football-shalom-lunai-goes-form-fifa-hero-coug/|title=WSU football: Shalom Luani goes from FIFA hero to Cougar safety|work=The Spokesman-Review|first=Jacob|last=Thorpe|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref>
Luani's eighth senior international appearance came in American Samoa's 1–0 loss to Samoa on November 27, 2011, with the result knocking them out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Luani revealed that he almost did not feature in the match due to American football commitments, saying "I play [American football] for my high school and we have a play-off match at the same time as this tournament. I left it up to the coaches to decide what was best for me. I will just take whatever opportunity comes up."<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/2956b6f6-829a-41ea-a667-08158aa4afa2/language/en-US/Default.aspx Options open for multi-skilled Luani] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130081846/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/2956b6f6-829a-41ea-a667-08158aa4afa2/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=January 30, 2012 }} Football Federation American Samoa. November 25, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref>
==== International goals ==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;" ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |- | 1. || November 22, 2011 || rowspan="2" | National Soccer Stadium, Apia, Samoa || {{fb|TGA}} || '''2'''–0 || 2–1 || rowspan="2" | 2014 OFC WCQ First Round |- | 2. || November 24, 2011 || {{fb|COK}} || '''1'''–0 || 1–1 |- | colspan="12"|<small>''Correct as of April 21, 2014''</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258402/match=300179076/report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508061407/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258402/match=300179076/report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2014|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil - Matches - American Samoa-Cook Islands |work=FIFA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258402/match=300179080/report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025807/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258402/match=300179080/report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2014|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™|work=FIFA.com}}</ref> |- |}
==American football career== ===High school=== Luani began his American football career as a defensive back for the Faga'itua Vikings, representing Faga'itua High School and wearing the number 21 jersey for the team.<ref>[http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/E4DZxdSTqUS1hhrVXdPQrw/football-fall-10/stats-shalom-luani.htm Shalom Luani Football Stats – Fagaitua] MaxPreps. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref> Competent in both association and American football, Luani has stated "I am keen to keep playing both at the moment because I am not sure which one will be my best option for the future. I would like to make a career in one but I don't know which yet, I guess I will find out later on."<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/2956b6f6-829a-41ea-a667-08158aa4afa2/language/en-US/Default.aspx Shalom Luani has a bright future in the game] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130081846/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/2956b6f6-829a-41ea-a667-08158aa4afa2/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=January 30, 2012 }} Football Federation American Samoa. November 25, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref>
At the age of 15, in September 2009, Luani was named the Junior Varsity division's MVP, being selected by the coaches of other teams. He earned the accolade for his "perfectly executed trick plays" that helped the Vikings to an undefeated season.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120710110309/http://208.109.238.104/viewstory.php?storyid=9478&edition=1253869200&newssection=Sports Vikings' Shalom Luani is MVP] Samoa News. February 29, 2009. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref>
In June 2010, Luani represented Faga'itua in an under-18s Rugby Sevens tournament held at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pago Pago. Luani was voted the tournament's MVP as Faga'itua won the cup, defeating Leone Whites 7–0 in the final. Faga'itua's head coach, Tuiaua Pio Grohse, suggested that Luani had been the difference between the two sides in the final, saying "They had a very good team, and we had a hard time scoring against them until a minute and a half left in the game, when Shalom Luani crossed the try line and added a score for our team".<ref>[https://archive.today/20120707002208/http://208.109.238.104/viewstory.php?storyid=16359 Fagaitua H. S. wins Under-18 Rugby 7s tourney] SamoaNews.com. June 25, 2010. Retrieved February 25, 2012.</ref>
On December 31, 2011, Luani represented American Samoa in a Samoa Bowl match against Hawaii. American Samoa eventually won 34–28 after double overtime, with Luani scoring the final touchdown to seal his country's victory.<ref>[http://americansamoa.gov/index.php/news-bottom/109-samoa-bowl-ix-american-samoa-34-hawaii-28-in-double-overtime Samoa Bowl IX: American Samoa 34, Hawaii 28 In Double Overtime] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417190221/http://americansamoa.gov/index.php/news-bottom/109-samoa-bowl-ix-american-samoa-34-hawaii-28-in-double-overtime |date=April 17, 2012 }} AmericanSamoa.gov. January 5, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref>
In February 2012, Luani was included in an American Samoa All Star Team for an under-19 Junior Oceania Bowl championship match against Australia.<ref>[http://www.aigafoundation.com/profiles/blogs/american-samoa-playing-american-football-in-australia-oceania American Samoa playing American Football in Australia] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120719035843/http://www.aigafoundation.com/profiles/blogs/american-samoa-playing-american-football-in-australia-oceania |date=July 19, 2012 }} AIGA Foundation. February 15, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.samoanews.com/?q=node/3142 All Stars en route to IFAF Championship] SamoaNews.com. February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2012.</ref> The winner would represent the World Team against Team USA at the IFAF World Championship in June 2012.<ref>[http://www.samoanews.com/?q=node/3099 All Stars on their way Down Under] SamoaNews.com. February 17, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2012.</ref> American Samoa won the match 93–7, with Luani scoring on a punt return, an interception return, a two-point run and an extra point kick.<ref>[http://www.gridironvictoria.com.au/news/australia-loses-the-2012-junior-oceania-bowl-93-7/ Australia loses the 2012 Junior Oceania Bowl 93–7] GridironVictoria.au. February 28, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.</ref>
From June to July 2012, Luani represented the American Samoa under-19 American football team at the 2012 IFAF U-19 World Championship, playing in his country's 27–6 loss to first seed United States on June 30 and being named American Samoa's MVP for the match.<ref>[http://usafootball.com/news/press-box/us-under-19-national-team-opens-ifaf-world-championship-27-6-win-over-american-samoa US Opens IFAF World Championship with 27–6 win] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105050918/http://usafootball.com/news/press-box/us-under-19-national-team-opens-ifaf-world-championship-27-6-win-over-american-samoa |date=January 5, 2016 }} USAFootball.com. July 1, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.</ref> He made his second appearance of the competition in a 51–0 win over Panama on July 3. Luani played a prominent role in the victory, assisting five of his team's eight scores and scoring a 23-yard field goal.<ref>[http://u19championship.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Click-here-for-the-box-score1.pdf Scoring Summary: American Samoa U-19 51–0 Panama U-19] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710045749/http://u19championship.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Click-here-for-the-box-score1.pdf |date=July 10, 2012 }} under19championship.com. July 3, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://football-austria.com/home/single-news.html?&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2712&cHash=15b5a804c47a23afa615f697a9b465b4 American Samoa Blanks Panama 51–0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928170213/http://football-austria.com/home/single-news.html?&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=2712&cHash=15b5a804c47a23afa615f697a9b465b4 |date=September 28, 2012 }} Football-Austria.com. July 4, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2012.</ref> Luani then played in American Samoa's 27–14 victory against France in the fifth-place play-off on July 7, 2012.<ref>[http://www.ifaf.org/articles/view/1318/L2FydGljbGVzL2ZlYXR1cmVkL2luZGV4L3BhZ2U6OA== American Samoa 27–14 France] IFAF. July 7, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.</ref>
===College career=== {{Quote box | width=30% | align=right | quote= "With the way he runs with the ball after those interceptions, he'd be our best running back if he didn't play defense." |source= <small> George Rush, City College of San Francisco football coach, December 2014<ref name ="Examiner 2014" /> </small> }} Having joined Chabot College of California in June 2012, Luani was part of the team's roster for the 2012–13 season.<ref>[http://www.hudl.com/team/17896/roster Chabot College – 2012–13 Roster] June 18, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.</ref> Chabot suffered a poor start to the campaign, losing their first four games, but in October the side embarked on a six-game win streak that saw them undefeated until mid-November.<ref>[http://www.hudl.com/team/17896/schedule Chabot College Varsity Football – Schedule] Hudl.com. June 18, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2013.</ref> By September 2013, Luani was playing for the City College of San Francisco; he starred in a 61–0 win over Fresno City College in October 2013.<ref>[https://www.ccsf.edu/NEW/en/educational-programs/school-and-departments/school-of-health-and-physical-education/physical-education-and-dance/athletics/football/roster.html City College of San Francisco 2013 Football Roster] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108084716/http://www.ccsf.edu/NEW/en/educational-programs/school-and-departments/school-of-health-and-physical-education/physical-education-and-dance/athletics/football/roster.html |date=November 8, 2012 }} City College of San Francisco. August 17, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://theguardsman.com/category/featured/city-dominates-fresno-with-nine-touchdowns/ City Dominates Fresco with Nine Touchdowns] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022130526/http://theguardsman.com/category/featured/city-dominates-fresno-with-nine-touchdowns/ |date=October 22, 2013 }} TheGuardsman.com. October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013.</ref> CCSF ended the season with an 11–2 record, earning a regional title, and Luani was unanimously named Bay 6 Conference Defensive Player of the Year by the conference's coaches as well as gaining All-California Region and junior college All-American First Team accolades.<ref>[http://www.wsucougars.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209813467 Cougar Football Adds Two JUCO Standouts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227010735/http://www.wsucougars.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209813467 |date=December 27, 2014 }} WSUCougars.com. December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.</ref><ref name="Examiner 2014">[http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/move-to-ccsf-has-paid-off-for-safety-shalom-luani/Content?oid=2913820 Move to CCSF has paid off for safety Shalom Luani] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227002131/http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/move-to-ccsf-has-paid-off-for-safety-shalom-luani/Content?oid=2913820 |date=December 27, 2014 }} ''San Francisco Examiner''. December 8, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.</ref>
By the end of 2014, Luani had established himself as a bright talent on the college circuit and was rated a four-star prospect.<ref name="Spokesman 2014" /> In December, he spurned scholarship offers from Illinois and Oregon State to join the Washington State Cougars; he had initially committed to Oregon in August but flipped his commitment after the departure of their head coach.<ref>[http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2014/12/shalom_luani_oregon_state_beav.html Shalom Luani, Oregon's top-rated commit, flips to Washington] OregonLive. December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.sport195.com/news_stories/3-star-juco-safety-shalom-luani-commits-to-oregon-state-14891758 3-star JUCO Safety Shalom Luani Commits to Oregon State] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227162455/https://www.sport195.com/news_stories/3-star-juco-safety-shalom-luani-commits-to-oregon-state-14891758 |date=December 27, 2014 }} Sport195.com. August 14, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.buildingthedam.com/2014/8/14/6004613/oregon-st-adds-jc-safety Oregon St. Adds JC Safety] BuildingTheDam.com. August 14, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.</ref> At the time of his signing by WSU, intended to improve their struggling defense, Luani had already been recognised by national media.<ref>[http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/blue-chip/scout-com-121914 West Recruiting Notebook] Fox Sports. December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.</ref> Described as "highly regarded in recruiting circles" by the Cougars, he was ranked 38th on the ESPN JC50, 19th overall junior college player by Scout.com and as the country's top junior college safety by 247Sports.<ref name="CougCenter 2014">[http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2014/12/17/7414033/wsu-football-recruiting-jeremiah-mitchell-shalom-luani-sign-lois WSU football recruiting: Jeremiah Mitchell, Shalom Luani sign LOIs] CougCenter.com. December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://washingtonstate.scout.com/story/1492605-juco-countdown-no-19-shalom-luani JuCo Countdown: No.19 Shalom Luani – Washington State] WashungtionState.Scout.com. December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.</ref> Luani's signing was positively met by Cougars fans.<ref name ="CougCenter 2014" />
In October 2015, Luani was named Pac-12 defensive player of the week, the first such accolade for a Cougar player since 2013; having made an "immediate impact" according to the ''Seattle Times'', the American Samoan had started every game of the season.<ref>{{cite web | last=Loh | first=Stefanie | title=WSU Cougars safety Shalom Luani earns Pac-12 player of the week honors | website=The Seattle Times | date=2015-10-19 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/wsu-safety-shalom-luani-named-pac-12-player-of-the-week/ | access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
===Professional career=== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 11 3/8 | weight = 202 | dash = 4.55 | ten split = 1.58 | twenty split = 2.65 | shuttle = 4.21 | cone drill = 6.87 | vertical = 31.0 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 8 | bench = 12 | arm span = 32 | hand span = 9 3/4 | wonderlic = | note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/shalom-luani/32004c55-4144-4954-cf6a-ca2410c3b470 |title=Shalom Luani Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=July 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1006278&DraftYear=2017 |title=2017 Draft Scout Shalom Luani, Washington State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |website=draftscout.com |access-date=July 4, 2022}}</ref> }}
====Oakland Raiders==== Luani was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round, 221st overall, in the 2017 NFL draft, making him the first American Samoa-born player to be drafted by the organization.<ref>{{cite web|title=Oakland Raiders Select Shalom Luani In Seventh Round Of 2017 NFL Draft|url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Oakland-Raiders-Select-Shalom-Luani-In-Seventh-Round-Of-2017-NFL-Draft/ab939334-afa4-4e57-abd4-c22ac9fc4897|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912235824/http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Oakland-Raiders-Select-Shalom-Luani-In-Seventh-Round-Of-2017-NFL-Draft/ab939334-afa4-4e57-abd4-c22ac9fc4897|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2017|website=Raiders.com|date=April 29, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017}}</ref> In the 2017 season opener against the Tennessee Titans, Luani successfully recovered a surprise onside kick to begin the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100oti.htm|title=Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans – September 10th, 2017|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref>
====Seattle Seahawks==== On September 1, 2018, Luani was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2019 seventh-round draft pick.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/01/raiders-trade-shalom-luani-to-seahawks/ |title=Raiders trade Shalom Luani to Seahawks |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=September 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> He was waived on September 12, 2018, and was re-signed to the practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seahawks Promote Keenan Reynolds From Practice Squad|url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-promote-keenan-reynolds-from-practice-squad|author=Boyle, John|website=Seahawks.com|date=September 12, 2018}}</ref> He was promoted back to the active roster on September 15, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seahawks Promote Shalom Luani From Practice Squad; Release Tom Johnson|url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-promote-shalom-luani-from-practice-squad-release-tom-johnson|author=Boyle, John|website=Seahawks.com|date=September 15, 2018}}</ref> He was waived on August 31, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seahawks Make Roster Moves, Establish 53-Man Roster|url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-make-roster-moves-establish-53-man-roster|author=Boyle, John|website=Seahawks.com|date=August 31, 2019}}</ref>
====Los Angeles Chargers==== On October 9, 2019, Luani was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-sign-c-g-ryan-groy |title=Chargers Sign C/G Ryan Groy |date=October 9, 2019 |website=Chargers.com |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> He was promoted to the active roster on November 2, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-promote-cb-tevaughn-campbell-to-active-roster |title=Chargers Promote S Shalom Luani to Active Roster |date=November 2, 2019 |website=Chargers.com |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> He was waived on November 30, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chargers Activate Derwin James and Adrian Phillips|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-activate-derwin-james-and-adrian-phillips|website=Chargers.com|date=November 30, 2019}}</ref>
====Houston Texans==== On December 4, 2019, Luani was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texans sign S Shalom Luani to practice squad|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-s-shalom-luani-to-practice-squad|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205035106/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-s-shalom-luani-to-practice-squad|url-status=dead}}</ref> He signed a reserve/future contract with the Texans on January 13, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texans sign 10 players to reserve/future contracts|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-10-players-to-reserve-future-contracts|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=January 13, 2020}}</ref> He was waived on July 27, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Texans Announce Roster Moves |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-make-roster-moves |website=HoustonTexans.com |date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
====New Jersey Generals==== Luani was drafted by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL) in the 18th round of the 2022 USFL draft.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USFLGenerals |title=Welcome to the Generals New Jersey has selected Shalom Luani in the #USFLDraft #InTheTrenches |number=1496523591487217669 |date=February 23, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> He was transferred to the team's inactive roster on April 30<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USFLGenerals |title=Roster Updates |number=1520319444978864128 |date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> due to a leg injury.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USFLGenerals |title=Game Status Report |number=1520319926669438976 |date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> He was transferred back to the active roster on May 12.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USFLGenerals |title=Roster Updates |number=1524952321964113921 |date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=May 14, 2022}}</ref> Luani re-signed with the Generals on July 16, 2023.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USFLGenerals |title=Free Agent Signings |number=1680573805268279296 |date=July 16, 2023 |access-date=July 16, 2023}}</ref> The Generals folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Newly formed United Football League sets 8 markets, tabs coaches |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/39222541/newly-formed-united-football-league-sets-8-markets-tabs-coaches |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
==== Michigan Panthers ==== On January 5, 2024, Luani was selected by the Michigan Panthers during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1743449463262151003 |user=JamesLarsenPFN |title=BREAKING: The Michigan Panthers selected S Shalom Luani in the #USFL Dispersal Draft, per source. |first=James |last=Larsen |date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref> He was released on March 10, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title=UFL Teams Set their Training Camp Rosters to 58 |url=https://uflboard.com/news/ufl-teams-set-their-training-camp-rosters-to-58/ |website=UFLBoard.com |date=March 10, 2024 |access-date=March 10, 2024}}</ref>
==Personal life== Luani is the son of Penitito and Niukini Luani and, like his parents, hails from the village of Masausi.<ref>[http://ip-208-109-238-104.ip.secureserver.net/viewstory.php?storyid=9478 Warriors' Peni Imo and Vikings' Shalom Luani earn MVP honors] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120717201613/http://ip-208-109-238-104.ip.secureserver.net/viewstory.php?storyid=9478 |date=July 17, 2012 }} Samoa News. February 29, 2009. Retrieved April 22, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.ifaf.org/articles/view/1062/L2FydGljbGVzL2ZlYXR1cmVkL2luZGV4L3BhZ2U6Ng== Australia and American Samoa Announce Rosters for Oceania Bowl Clash] IFAF. February 25, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2012.</ref> Luani graduated from Masefau Elementary before attending Fagaitua High School.<ref>[http://www.socceramerica.com/article/44764/rongen-gets-win-in-american-samoa-opener.html Rongen Gets Win in American Samoa Opener] SoccerAmerica.com. November 23, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2012.</ref> In June 2012, Luani was one of 32 of the island's students who were honoured in the Student-Athlete Ceremony of Recognition where student athletes officially signed on with the colleges of their choice; Luani joined Chabot College in Hayward, California.<ref>[http://fh100recruiting.com/blog/2012/06/06/32-honored-during-student-athlete-ceremony-of-recognition/ 32 honoured during Student-Athlete Ceremony of Recognition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305034746/http://fh100recruiting.com/blog/2012/06/06/32-honored-during-student-athlete-ceremony-of-recognition/ |date=March 5, 2016 }} FH100Recruiting.com. June 6, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.samoanews.com/?q=content/SNsports_2523&quicktabs_1=0 32 Athletes Honoured: List of Athletes 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212155147/http://www.samoanews.com/?q=content%2FSNsports_2523&quicktabs_1=0 |date=December 12, 2013 }} ''Samoa News''. June 6, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.</ref>
Luani's brother Roy, who is a year older, is also an association footballer and also plays as a forward.<ref>[http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/a41e3a99-547e-4133-9b16-ba9221221607/language/en-US/Default.aspx American Samoa U-20 squad finalized] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831202600/http://www.ffas.as/News/ViewArticle/tabid/1194/Article/a41e3a99-547e-4133-9b16-ba9221221607/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=August 31, 2011 }} Football Federation American Samoa. April 12, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2012.</ref> Roy has played for the American Samoa under-20 side, but is yet to appear for the senior team. The two also played alongside each other for the Fagaitua High School American Football team.<ref>[http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/fagaitua-(american-samoa)-vikings-(pago-pago,hi)/football/roster.htm Fagaitua High School Football Roster] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227002404/http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/fagaitua-(american-samoa)-vikings-(pago-pago,hi)/football/roster.htm |date=December 27, 2014 }} MaxPreps. Retrieved April 29, 2012.</ref> Luani has family in North Carolina, but had hardly met them before moving to the United States in 2012. Of Luani's personality, his coach at San Francisco, George Rush said in 2014: "He's quiet, kind of shy, very polite, very respectful. The success he's enjoyed hasn't tainted any of that."<ref name ="Examiner 2014" />
In 2016, he was involved in an altercation outside of a Domino's Pizza in Pullman when his order allegedly took two hours. Prosecutors declined to press charges, saying there was not enough evidence to show Luani wasn't defending himself.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dnews.com/prosecutor-releases-video-showing-luani-confrontation-inside-domino-s/article_4b58bca6-84d7-11e6-a96f-4ba2224fbeaa.html |title=Prosecutor releases video showing Luani confrontation inside Dominos |date=September 27, 2016 |website=Moscow-Pullman Daily News |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{footballstats|yahoo=30334}} *[http://www.wsucougars.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1681 Washington State Cougars bio]
{{Raiders2017DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Luani, Shalom}} Category:Living people Category:1994 births Category:American Samoan men's soccer players Category:American Samoa men's international soccer players Category:City College of San Francisco Rams football players Category:Players of American football from American Samoa Category:Washington State Cougars football players Category:American football safeties Category:Footballers who switched code Category:Sportspeople from Pago Pago, American Samoa Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:American people of Samoan descent Category:Sportspeople of Samoan descent Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Seattle Seahawks players Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:Houston Texans players Category:New Jersey Generals (2022) players Category:Michigan Panthers (2022) players Category:21st-century American sportsmen