It is third down, the Dolphins need one yard to continue their drive and as they break into the huddle, the name Polite can be heard all over the stadium. The fans, the players, the coaches, and the opposing team know what is about to happen, but no one can stop it. The play is simple: hand the ball to Polite and let Mr. Automatic do what he does best, convert first downs. Since his arrival to the Dolphins midway into the ’08 season, Lousaka has become an overnight sensation.

Polite began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh were he became the first three-year captain in the history of the school and a four-year starter at fullback. While at Pitt, Polite also proved to be a versatile player seeing time at the running back position. Lousaka went on to declare himself eligible for the ’04 draft. After not being selected in the ’04 draft, Polite signed a deal as an undrafted free agent to play for Coach Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys. It was at Dallas where Polite’s long journey to stardom began.

In his first three seasons as a Cowboy, Polite did not play much. He was never able to catch-on and was waived in ’06. He then went on to the Bears where he was again cut before the ’08 season began. It was in October of ’08, after losing full back Casey Cramer due to injury, that the Dolphins signed Lousaka Polite. The one time journey man would be reunited again with the Trifecta, the same men who had offered him a contract when he had once been an undrafted free agent.

Lousaka did not disappoint, proving to the Trifecta and Dolfans everywhere that this one time journey man was no fluke and cutting him would be out of the question. In his first season as a Dolphin, Lousaka was a pivotal part of the Dolphins’ AFC East Divisional Championship run. Lousaka was called in short yardage situations and he would not be denied. His success earned him the nick name Mr. Automatic, for being able to convert short yard situations into first downs. His ability to convert on short yardage and his aggressive blocking style earned him his first long-term contract when he was signed to a two year extension by the Fins in 2009.

The ’09 season proved to be Polite’s best season in the league. Lousaka was a man on a mission and drew Pro-bowl attention by fans and NFL pundits everywhere. It was the Monday Night game against the Jets that I believe really helped Polite stand out among other full backs around the league. That night, in front of a national TV audience, Polite played like a possessed beast. He constantly kept making the big block to help the Dolphins’ running backs gain the extra yards. I remember being in the stands and hearing the cracking sounds every time Polite would lay a block on one of the Jets players.

I personally feel not one full back had a better year than Polite did last year. So, I contacted Profootballfocus.com for their opinion and it appears I am not alone in how I feel about Polite’s style of play last year. Check out below what Ben Stockwell of Profootballfocus.com had to say about the Dolphins’ personal wrecking ball, Lousaka Polite:

"Polite was a PFF.com 1st team All-Pro this season, such was the level of his play.  What really stands out is how different his level was in '09 from almost all other fullbacks in the league.

He comes out and physically imposes himself on linebackers where currently most fullbacks either can't or don't.  His consistency on 3rd downs is helped by a strong o-line (though his consistency is impressive in itself) but it is work as a lead blocker that stands out from the crowd, he fires in there and physically dominates his assignment.  His blocking performance wasn't limited to run-blocking either, as he surrendered only 1 sack (no hit, no pressure) on 72 pass blocks."

I think I speak for all Dolfans when I say Lousaka has become a fan favorite of ours. It is with great pride that I write this article today. Polite has come a very long way to finally making it in the NFL. His aggressive style of play, smashing blocks and short yardage efficiency has helped win over a Miami fan base. His first two seasons in Miami have been amazing and I hope that this upcoming season is just as good for Mr. Automatic.

I would like to thank the staff from Profootballfocus.com