20 Feb 2014

Former NFL player gets top American Samoa government job

4:33 pm on 20 February 2014

A former National Football League player, Jonathan Fanene, has been confirmed as American Samoa's new head of the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs.

The Senate unanimously voted for himtoday after the House endorsed him last week.

Mr Fanene, who is a former defensive end with the Cincinnati Bengals, is the youngest cabinet member at the age of 31.

The governor, Lolo Moliga, says Mr Fanene's involvement in charities, his understanding of the value of teamwork and his commitment to family and community give the administration great confidence he will succeed.

Mr Fanene moved back to American Samoa last month following the death of his father.