Sagapolutele was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round in 1991. He played with the Browns through 1995, then played one season with the Patriots and another with the Saints. He started for the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.

In five seasons with the Browns, Sagapolutele played in 63 games, made 11 starts and recorded 56 tackles and 2 sacks.

A native of American Samoa, he played high school football in Honolulu and college football at San Diego State. A triceps tear and an elbow injury ended his NFL career after 1997.