1. Joplo Johnny Bartu was born on October 3,1989 and is a former American football linebacker.
25 Facts About Joplo Bartu
1. 2.
Joplo Bartu was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
3.
Joplo Bartu's mother was seven months pregnant when she immigrated from Monrovia, Liberia, to get a better education for herself and family.
4.
The name "Joplo Bartu" comes from a Liberian warrior, meaning "strength".
5.
At the age of one, Joplo Bartu moved from Seattle, Washington to Prairie View, Texas, located just outside the Houston area.
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Joplo Bartu grew up in a low-income neighborhood with his two brothers and three sisters.
7.
At Texas State, Joplo Bartu was a four-year starter that was recruited as a free safety out of high school.
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However, Joplo Bartu was switched to linebacker after he gained over 20 pounds during his redshirt year.
9.
Joplo Bartu was moved to defensive end for half of his senior year.
10.
When Joplo Bartu moved back to linebacker halfway through the season, he posted 62 tackles in four games.
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Joplo Bartu's performance earned him National Player of the Week by collegefootballperformance.
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Joplo Bartu was nicknamed "High Top Jop" by Sean Weatherspoon on the 1st episode of "D-Block" in 2013, because of his Kid 'n Play style haircut.
13.
Joplo Bartu saw action in all 16 games with 13 starts during his rookie season.
14.
Joplo Bartu finished the game with six tackles with one tackle for loss and one sack against the Jets.
15.
DT Peria Jerry and Joplo Bartu combined to bring down QB Carson Palmer for a nine-yard loss, giving the Falcons their third consecutive game with three-or-more sacks.
16.
Additionally, Joplo Bartu leads all undrafted rookie defenders in the NFL with 3.5 sacks.
17.
Joplo Bartu had one of the best games of his young career, collaring 11 total tackles with one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit at San Francisco.
18.
On November 27,2015, Joplo Bartu was waived by the Falcons to make room for place kicker Shayne Graham.
19.
On December 7,2015, Joplo Bartu signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
20.
On September 28,2016, Joplo Bartu was signed by the Cardinals.
21.
Joplo Bartu was released with an injury settlement by the Cardinals on November 22,2016.
22.
Joplo Bartu is the middle child of 5 siblings: Precious, Wellington, Bindu, Lawrence and Lula.
23.
In October 2013, Joplo Bartu was told that his mother was sick and had three months to live.
24.
On December 29,2013, Joplo Bartu's mother passed away from breast cancer.
25.
Joplo Bartu now has the verses tattooed on his arm in her honor.