The Hawaiian word Hakaka' means... To Fight. This word perfectly describes Hawaiian native and former Eagles defensive back Rich Miano because the 11-year NFL veteran had to fight for everything he received during his professional career.

He had to fight for a roster spot; he had to fight for playing time. He had to fight for respect. And after the fight was over... Miano raised his arm in victory.

The now 42-year-old was a classic overachiever. He made the most of his talent. And even now with his playing days complete, Hakaka' is helping Miano every day in his current profession.

DB Rich Miano

"I'm currently the defensive secondary coach for the University of Hawaii football team," said Miano, who made the team as a walk-on, then starred at safety for the University of Hawaii before graduating in 1984.

Although the Warriors finished 2005 with a 5-7 mark under head coach June Jones, Miano insists things should turn around for the better next season.

Miano says just look at what happened in State College (PA.) this season.

"The media wanted to run Joe Paterno out of town. But he got great play from a talented freshmen class and the seniors were great leaders all season long. They were the story of the college football season," Miano said. "Hawaii has great facilities, and the Warriors have won three bowl games in the last seven years. Our offense will be explosive with experience at the skill positions, and we have a game-breaker in freshman receiver Davone Bess."

Miano enjoyed success as a member of the Eagles from 1991-94, both as a special teams standout and -- when called upon -- as a starting safety. He chipped in whenever and wherever needed.

"When I came to Philadelphia in 1991, (Wes) Hopkins and (Andre) Waters were the best safety tandem in the league," Miano recalled. "So I was ready to drill somebody on special teams, because at that time it was my role."

In 1991 Miano witnessed his most memorable moment as an Eagles player.

"Just being a part of that defense in 1991 under the late (defensive coordinator) Bud Carson," Miano said. "Becoming just the fifth NFL team in history to be ranked No. 1 vs. the run, No. 1 vs. the pass, and No. 1 overall was very special. Also, playing in the 'House of Pain' game and seeing our defense put the 'fear of God' in the eyes of the Houston wide receivers was awesome. As soon as they caught the ball those guys knew they were getting drilled.

"My time in Philly was special because it was always fun being around the guys."

One teammate Miano really respected was former tight end Mark Bavaro, his teammate during the 1993-94 seasons.

"That guy was an original Rocky. He was a humble guy, with such a great demeanor," Miano said. "When that guy spoke, everybody listened."

What makes Miano's journey in the NFL so ironic is that he had the opportunity to be a Philadelphia Eagle and he had to square off against Philadelphia when he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

DB Rich Miano

"Every time you play against Philadelphia, you better be ready for a physical game, especially if you had to visit The Vet which was the worst turf in the league," Miano said. "You better get ready for a lot of blitzes, and your ears will hear words of poetry when you're standing on the opposing sideline from the Philadelphia fan."

Miano still recalls a game played on Sept. 22, 1996, a game he observed from home, when his former Atlanta teammates hosted the Eagles on national television. The Eagles were dominant, winning 33-18 and silencing the Atlanta crowd.

"That was a night for the Falcons organization to forget," Miano said. "The Falcons defense got dominated by the running of Ricky Watters, and Falcons quarterback Jeff George got into a feud with June Jones and the Atlanta coaching staff on the sidelines.

"I'm thinking 'Oh, man' because I was good friends with both Jeff and June. Everybody had disgusted looks and could not wait for that game to end."

In addition to coaching on Jones' staff at Hawaii, Miano also serves as president of the Hawaii Speed and Quickness athletic skills training camp. The purpose of the camp is to promote health, fitness and self-esteem among the youth of Hawaii through athletics for those aged 7 to 22.

Miano also enjoys golfing and surfing, and he is an avid traveler who enjoys visiting Norway and Italy. Both he and his fiancée, Lori Bennett, reside in Honolulu, HI, with their son, five-year-old Richard James Kalanikupa'a.