Shawn Lauvao
A durable NFL guard whose career was a testament to resilience, battling through injuries to start for multiple teams over eight seasons.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: October 26·Millennials
Biography
Shawn Lauvao's NFL journey was a study in grit. Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns, the offensive lineman from Arizona State carved out a role through sheer determination and versatility. He wasn't a flashy star, but the kind of reliable interior presence coaches value. His career found its most stable chapter with the Washington Football Team, where he became a regular starter at guard. Lauvao's path, however, was persistently dogged by injuries—ankle issues, a stinger, various ailments that required him to repeatedly fight his way back onto the field. This constant battle defined his professional life, showcasing a toughness that extended beyond the weekly physical grind. His eight-year career stands as a testament to the less-glamorous, essential work done in the trenches by players who maximize their opportunity through perseverance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Shawn was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Shawn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Shawn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played eight seasons in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Football Team.
- Started 73 games over his career, including 47 for Washington across four seasons.
- Was part of an offensive line that helped Washington win the NFC East division title in 2015.
- Selected in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Did You Know?
He is of Samoan descent, a heritage shared by many prominent NFL linemen.
Lauvao earned a degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.
He was known for his long hair, which flowed from the back of his helmet during games.
After football, he transitioned into coaching, working with offensive linemen at the high school level.
“In the trenches, it's about who wants it more on that snap.”
