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PRO: Lousaka Polite (pronounced LOO-socka Puh-LITE) is an undrafted free agent success story and a testament to the benefits of hard work and determination. As a rookie in 2004, he worked his way up from the practice squad to a late season call-up on the active roster. In his second NFL season he had an impressive training camp, won the starting fullback position and went on to enjoy a productive season as a regular in the Cowboys lineup. Noted as one of the team's most intelligent players, Polite's developing NFL career will take a new twist in 2006 as the Cowboys will use fewer formations that feature the traditional fullback position and more looks that employ two tight ends. His versatility and football instincts will again be put to the test as he takes on another challenge in his still young NFL career. A powerful blocker who has always displayed a thorough knowledge of his assignments, Polite has also proven to be a solid route runner and pass receiver while coming out of the backfield as a fullback as well as a solid special teams player.
2005: As the only fullback on the Dallas roster, Polite earned his first career NFL start in the Cowboys thrilling season opening win at San Diego (9/11). He finished the game as the Cowboys leader in special teams tackles with two. Two weeks later in the win at San Francisco (9/25), he recorded his first NFL carry, gaining two-yards on a third-and-one play to pick up a first down and keep alive a Dallas touchdown drive. In the Cowboys key division win over Philadelphia (10/9), he recorded his first career touchdown with a 12-yard reception from Drew Bledsoe in the second quarter that put Dallas up 24-3. It was also his first catch of the season. In the win over Arizona (10/30), Polite had a five-yard reception, but his blocking was instrumental in Marion Barber rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns, the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Dallas running back on the season. He had a three-yard reception in the come-from-behind win at Philadelphia (11/14) on Monday Night Football. In the win over Detroit (11/20), he added a 10-yard reception to set up the Dallas offense with a first-and-goal from the Lions one-yard line. In the overtime loss to Denver (11/24) on Thanksgiving Day, he recorded a catch in his fourth straight game on an eight-yard reception. In the big win over Kansas City (12/11), Polite had a career-best three receptions for 33 yards, including a career-long 15-yarder. In the Christmas Eve win at Carolina (12/24), he added one reception for one yard, while his run blocking allowed Julius Jones to rush for 194 yards, the fourth best performance in club history. The Dallas offense racked up 22 first downs, 394 total yards and 24 points in the come-from-behind win.
2004: Polite joined the Cowboys as a rookie free agent after the NFL Draft. He was released at the end of training camp, and mid-way through the season, re-signed to the Dallas practice squad (Nov. 3). When fullback Richie Anderson was placed on injured reserve with a neck problem, Polite got the call to suit up, moving to the active roster on Dec. 28. He saw action in the season finale at the N.Y. Giants (1/2/05), getting time on special teams and at fullback. He recorded his first career reception, for a four-yard gain, and contributed the lead blocking that helped Jones rush for 148 yards and a touchdown on the night.
COLLEGE: Polite became the first three-time captain in Pitt history after starting at fullback through four seasons. He finished his collegiate campaign rushing 70 times for 258 yards and a touchdown while helping open holes for 1,528 rushing yards. As a junior in 2002, Polite posted 52 carries for 211 yards and two scores. He rushed for seven yards on 22 carries and nine receptions for 69 yards and a score as a sophomore. In his first active season, Polite started at fullback through every game, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. In 1999, he was not active and did not play in any games.
PERSONAL: Polite started at inside linebacker and fullback at Woodland Hills, Penn., High School. He earned first team all-conference honors as a senior carrying the ball 116 times for 1,022 yards (8.8 avg.) and 20 touchdowns. He also tallied 83 tackles on defense and participated on all special teams units. Besides lettering three times for the football team, Polite lettered three times in track and field and was a two-time finalist in the javelin. He earned his degree in psychology at Pitt. As a rookie, he was part of the Cowboys 2004 Rookie Club - a program designed to introduce rookie team members to community service in the Dallas area. He and his fellow rookie teammates participated in visits to various non-profit organizations serving children and adults, including the NFL Play It Smart program at Dallas's Lincoln High School, ChildCareGroup, NFL United Way Hometown Huddle and The Salvation Army. In the 2005 offseason, Polite kept involved in the community by participating in the annual Spina Bifida Bowl-a-thon - bowling with many of the children who are beneficiaries of the fundraising event. In 2005 and 2006, Polite joined teammate Terence Newman and UT Dallas to distribute bicycle helmets to underprivileged children, and he also signed autographs and interacted with fans at the team's annual NFL Draft Day Party hosted in appreciation for the club's loyal fans. During the holiday season, he annually volunteers to serve an early Thanksgiving Day meal provided by the team to over 300 deserving Salvation Army clients and he participates in the team's support of The Salvation Army Angel Tree program - providing Christmas gifts to children in need. Polite remained active in the community during the 2006 offseason as he attended Stars of Texas?Racing Against the Odds fundraiser hosted by local radio personality and newspaper columnist Randy Galloway at Lone Star Park for the American Diabetes Association - an event that helped raise over $300,000; the MDA Muscle Team Bash hosted by former Cowboy and FOX Sports announcer Daryl Johnston that raised over $200,000; and, he joined Cowboys Linebacker DeMarcus Ware and Defensive End Marcus Spears and a dozen other teammates in support of the Second Annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party which benefited the North Texas Food Bank - the event helped raise money that will provide over 330,000 meals to North Texans in need. | 