Considered a four-star recruit out of junior college by Rivals.com, Soliai was listed as the No. 32 non-high school player in the nation.[1]
Utah
Soliai transferred to the University of Utah in 2004 and was redshirted his first season with the Utes. He played in 12 games as a junior in 2005, with up five tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss. He made four stops against rival Utah State, including an assisted tackle for a loss. He also had a 10-yard sack against Arizona.
In 12 games at nose guard as a senior in 2006, Soliai recorded 35 tackles (13 solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks for 15 yards, four pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. He earned a Second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection.
Professional career
Pre-draft
In April 2007, Soliai measured a height of 6-feet-4 and a weight of 332 pounds at his Utah Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds and 5.12 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.53 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.77 seconds. He measured a 30½-inch vertical jump, but an elbow sprain prevented him from doing the 225-pound bench press.
Prior to the draft, Soliai was praised for his rare size, strength, quickness and athleticism, while also being criticized for his lack of technique and moves.[2][3]
All values from NFL Combine, except for 40-yd dash (and splits), 20-ss, and vertical, which are from Utah Pro Day
Miami Dolphins
Soliai was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft, signing a four-year contract on June 7.
Before the NFL lockout, Soliai was franchise tagged by the Dolphins. They gave him a one-year guaranteed salary of at least $12 million, which was the average of the top 5 salaries at that position. This was made bloated by Albert Haynesworth's record-breaking $100 million contract from the Redskins.
On March 14, 2012, Soliai signed a 2-year extension with Miami worth $12 million, with $6 million guaranteed for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Atlanta Falcons
Soliai with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014
On March 11, 2014, Soliai agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons on a five-year, $33 million contract including $14 million guaranteed. In a week 8 game against the Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium in London, Soliai was called for a holding penalty against Lions center Dominic Raiola. This penalty set up kicker Matt Prater for a game-winning 47 yard field goal, which he made, handing the Falcons a 22–21 loss and dropping them to a 2–5 record.[5] On December 29, 2015 Soliai was placed on injured reserve ending his season.[6]
On March 9, 2016, the Atlanta Falcons cut Soliai.[7]
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