Ngata continues to build strength

His dad was always there.

Los Angeles. Pullman, Wash. Tucson, Ariz. Wherever Haloti Ngata played, his father was in the stands — with smiles and hugs for people he'd never met.

"He's one of my biggest fans, and I've always just wanted to make him proud," Ngata said.

Solomone Ngata watched his son play 12 games for the University of Oregon football team in 2002. After the regular season ended, he spent an early December weekend on campus in Eugene, Ore. He then returned to Utah and his job as a truck driver.

Solomone was killed in a rollover accident just days later.

His son blamed God. Ngata retreated from family, friends and church, concerning himself only with football, which he thought would never hurt him. His reward was a wrecked knee and a year on the sidelines.

Haloti Ngata now knows he was being tested — and that he failed.

But he came back stronger.

The young man who nearly quit football, who lost both parents way too early and who was shaken by a crisis of faith steadied himself to become what he is today — a professional football star, a family man and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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A nose tackle's job at the center of the defensive line is to "eat up space."

Ngata eats well.

The 26-year-old Mormon from Salt Lake City is a massive force at the highest level of football; the first point of attack on a Baltimore Ravens team fueled by star power and a formidable defense.

When the wide-bodied Ngata fires off the front line, he opens up holes for the flashy NFL superstars behind him to make plays — guys like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed.

It's a prospect that thrilled him when he was the 12th player selected in the 2006 NFL Draft.

"It's always been a dream of mine — and it came true when I got drafted to Baltimore — to be a part of a … dominant defensive team," Ngata said.

He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2009, and many NFL observers thought he deserved the honor the year before. It was gratifying to have his abilities — a disruptive combination of size, power and quickness — recognized by fans and peers.