Former NFL nose tackle Esera Tuaolo may not be the first person who comes to mind when we think of excellent singers. But perhaps he should be.

Tuaolo, who played nine seasons in the NFL and stands 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, has advanced to the playoffs of the popular NBC show, ‘The Voice.’

The 49-year-old native of Hawaii impressed both the judges and fans by performing a rendition of Luther Vandross’ “Superstar.” This is not the first time Tuaolo sang a high profile song. He once sang the national anthem as a member of the Green Bay Packers, only to start the game moments later.

Tuaolo, who is gay, testified against a 2006 bill in the Minnesota Legislature that would have outlawed gay marriage. He has become a well known activist within the LGBT community and wrote a book in 2006 entitled “Alone in the Trenches: My Life As a Gay Man in the NFL.”

‘The Voice’ next airs Monday, November 6 at 8 p.m. ET.

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