Polynesian nfl players 2019. Fitz on YouTube or Listen on all Podcas.
Polynesian nfl players 2019 "The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in all of college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee. Polynesia Sep 6, 2024 · HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 2024 NFL season kicked off on Thursday as the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Baltimore Ravens. Paddy Driscoll was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965. Dec 10, 2019 · Born in ʻEwa Beach, Hawai`i. Aug 17, 2023 · Former Fresno State offensive lineman and current lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders Netane Muti was a back-to-back addition to the preseason watch list in 2018 and 2019. Dec 4, 2024 · According to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, there are more than 60 current NFL players of Polynesian descent. Other NFL coaches or players who have coached in the Polynesian Bowl are June Jones (2017 & 2022), Steve Spurrier (2020), Doug Williams (2022) and Jim Zorn (2019). 56%) were born outside the US. Why the NFL is Attracted to Pacific Islander Players Dec 11, 2024 · Oregon has had two winners of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, with Marcus Mariota winning the inaugural honor in 2014 and Penei Sewell winning in 2019. Other former NFL head coaches to lead the Polynesian Bowl include Dick Vermeil (Philadelphia Eagles, St. He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL draft. Sports Sports Polynesian Football Current Players Roundtable - NFL Network Polynesians make up less than 1 half of 1% of the US population but there are more than 70 players of Polynesian heritage in the NFL and over 400 Polynesians playing college football. The Class of 2019 includes Joe Salave’a, Dan Saleaumua, Lofa Tatupu and Marques Tuiasosopo. NFL Network Host Steve “Where the world’s top high school football players gather to celebrate culture and play the game they love. Jun 12, 2025 · He was twice named as the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. The May 17, 2024 · From the gridirons of the NFL to the hallowed halls of college football, Polynesian athletes have left an indelible mark, reshaping the landscape of the sport. The impact of the 2020 NFL Draft In recent years, the number of Samoan players in the NFL has been on the decline. The final All-American Game for 2024 took place over the weekend on The NFL celebrates AAPI Month with the new generation of Polynesian players, San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Polynesians make up about 1 percent of Utah, but have provided nearly half the NFL players from Utah in past decade and hald. In 13 games this season, Tua Aug 15, 2024 · The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson Mar 22, 2024 · One of the most significant trends in American football over the past few decades that you might not know about is the growth in numbers of players of Polynesian descent on NFL rosters. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame that honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors of Polynesian descent in the sport of American football. He played in the US Army All-American and Polynesian Bowls as a senior in high school, and college footaball for the Oregon Ducks. Reflecting Polynesian architectural design, the Hall of Fame gallery features lava stones, koa and ohia wood, and accents of traditional fabrics and includes Does the Polynesian Cultural Center have a Football Hall of Fame? The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Feb 24, 2025 · First-team All-Pro (2023, 2024 ) 3× Pro Bowl (2022– 2024 ) PFWA All-Rookie Team ; Polynesian Professional Football Player of the Year ( 2024 ) Outland Trophy (2019) Polynesian Collegiate Football Player of the Year (2019) Morris Trophy (2019) Unanimous All-American ; First-team All-Pac-12 ; Career NFL statistics as of 2024. NFL Ambassadors include Michael Bennett, DeForest Buckner, Marcus Mariota, Haloti Ngata, Danny Shelton, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Ronnie Stanley. Sewell was selected with the seventh overall pick in the first round by the Lions in the 2021 NFL draft. They are Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reno Mahe and Domata Peko. How many Polynesians are in the NFL? Today, there are over 60 NFL players of Polynesian ancestry. Feb 11, 2020 · Alongside these 4 men, Ronnie Stanly was named the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year and Peni Sewell & Tua Tagovailoa were co-Polynesian College Players of the Year. Apr 17, 2025 · Fox releases a trailer for their new documentary on Polynesian culture in the NFL, which will be executive produced by Tua Tagovailoa. [3][4] A record 12 international players were drafted in the 2015 Jan 4, 2025 · Discover Samoans in NFL through player profiles, showcasing athletes of Samoan descent, Pacific Islander football talent, and Polynesian NFL players' achievements and careers. He won the Morris Trophy, Outland Trophy, and was selected as a co-recipient alongside Tua Tagovailoa of the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of Jun 20, 2025 · An active and involved coach when the Rams hosted a girls flag football clinic Tuesday afternoon, Nacua is becoming admired in the same way he looked up to Polynesian NFL players like Troy Polamalu, Marcus Mariota and JuJu Smith-Schuster growing up. [2] In recent NFL Drafts, teams have made efforts to search internationally for prospects. Fifita is one of 62 players from 32 different schools selected. Teams are embracing Polynesian talent, recognizing their potential impact on the field. He was twice named as the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. The permanent exhibit is in the Polynesian Culture Welcome Center. NFL Top 100 Players (2024): Ranked 22nd by his peers. Jan 14, 2024 · Honolulu, HI (January 11, 2024) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today that Miami Dolphins Quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award presented by Hawaiian Airlines. Dec 24, 2020 · When Marcus had his Heisman speech and spoke directly to the next generation of Polynesian football players of what’s possible, in a way, he’s talking directly to Tua. Nacua burst onto the NFL scene in 2023 with a record-setting rookie season. Talanoa Hufanga (/ ˌtæləˈnoʊə huˈfɑːŋɡə / TA-lə-NOH-ə hoo-FAHN-gə; [1] born February 2, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Nov 9, 2020 · The 2019 draft class showcased the most Polynesian people drafted (11 players) with four (Bradlee Anae, Julian Blackmon, Leki Fotu and John Penisini) coming from the University of Utah and even more athletes signed as undrafted free agents. He played college football for the USC Trojans, earning second-team All-American honors in 2015. This Award showcases the immense talent of Polynesian student-athletes in high school football today. Cover photo credit: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame The 2021 NFL Draft was the 86th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible players for the 2021 NFL season. Sep 27, 2022 · Marcus Mariota, left, and Tua Tagovailoa made history Sunday as the first Hawaii-born QBs to win NFL starts on the same day. ” The Polynesian Bowl is held annually during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week. The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award recognizes the most Aug 15, 2019 · Over the past few seasons, roughly 50 players of Samoan descent have been on NFL rosters – about 3% of the league, and nearly 40 times their proportional share of the U. “McMillan is the Arizona wide receiver,” Nacua says in a one-on-one interview when asked about the Sep 9, 2024 · The Watch List is composed of 96 players from 37 different FBS schools. “The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in all of college football,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee. Additions to the list may be made as the 2019 season progresses. Find out who made the list of the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2019 voted on by the players themselves. The Mountain West’s 21 players on the watch list are second only to the Pac-12, which put 40 players on the initial watch list. Compared to other major professional sports leagues in the United States, the National Football League (NFL) has the lowest percentage of foreign-born players. Whether it is on the offensive or defensive line, the state of Hawaii keeps churning out lineman after lineman to play in the National Football League, not to mention Heisman trophy A premier all-star football game featuring the world Sep 26, 2025 · Polynesian Professional Football Player of the Year (2024): Recognized for his excellence among Polynesian NFL players. The Finalists is Dec 7, 2023 · The finalists were selected from a Watch List of nearly 100 players by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee University of Hawaii and former NFL head coach June Jones expressed a willingness to coach a potential Hawaiian Islands team, which would have a mix of Hawaiian and Polynesian players and, bowl organizers hoped, would draw more fans to the game. Reflecting Polynesian architectural design, the Hall of Fame gallery features lava stones, koa and ohia wood, and accents of traditional fabrics and includes Apr 15, 2025 · With a notable number of Polynesian players reaching the NFL, they have been All-Pros, All-Rookies, Super Bowl Champions, Pro Bowlers, and Hall-of-Famers. And then there is Wilson, who was named as the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2020. Jul 21, 2015 · Tom Reed looks at 10 football players of Polynesian ancestry who have made a big impact in the National Football League. The Watchlist is composed of 85 players from 40 different FBS schools. Wilson served as the Jets' starter during his first three seasons, but inconsistent play led to him being traded to Aug 30, 2024 · Penei was the #7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Current NFL safety, Talanoa Hufanga was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2017. He The best resource was often the High School Polynesian Bowl Rosters. Feb 11, 2020 · At this year's Polynesian Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony David Dixon, Frank Manumaluega, Haloti Ngata and Dominic Raiola were honored as the inductees for 2019. Four Inductees were selected from a list of 12 Finalists. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2019 today and four Inductees were selected from a list of 12 Finalists. May 17, 2024 · From the gridirons of the NFL to the hallowed halls of college football, Polynesian athletes have left an indelible mark, reshaping the landscape of the sport. Aug 15, 2024 · The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watch List is composed of 96 players from 37 different FBS schools. . We've assembled a team of the best Polynesian NFL players in history. Aug 18, 2025 · San Diego State linebacker Tano Letuli has been named to the 2025 watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday. The Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa[1] (/ ˌtʌŋoʊvaɪˈloʊə / TUNG-oh-vy-LOH-ə; [2] born March 2, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Its permanent home is located at the @ [109202512458660:274:Polynesian Cultural Center] and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa. He played college football for the USC Trojans and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Honolulu, HI (August Penei Sewell (/ pɛnˈneɪ / pen-NAY; [1] born October 9, 2000) is an American Samoan professional football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). 1% of all players selected. Positive Impact Many users commend the rise of Polynesian players in the NFL, attributing Aug 6, 2019 · LOGAN, Utah – Utah State senior defensive end Tipa Galeai, as well as senior defensive tackles Fua Leilua and Christopher 'Unga, were named to the 2019 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, it was announced by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Oct 11, 2018 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the 12 Finalists that will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Aug 17, 2023 · Honolulu, HI (August 17, 2023) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the 2023 Watchlist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. Aug 8, 2019 · 2019 Polynesian College Football Player Of The Year Award Watch List he Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Aug 6, 2019 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its 2019 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award on Tuesday. Nov 1, 2020 · Tua Tagovailoa's first career start for the Miami Dolphins is significant not just to the franchise but to the entire Polynesian football community. The Finalists is The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame High School Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior high school football player of Polynesian ancestry. The NFL celebrates AAPI Heritage month with this spotlight on Polynesians in the NFL. Aug 15, 2024 · Four Washington State players were named to the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. What many people may not know about the University of Arizona wide receiver is that he is a proud representative of Polynesian individuals everywhere. "Going back and visiting the people on the islands, they don't have the same opportunities and resources, so the guys that come from there over here to play football know it's just an amazing opportunity," Suiaunoa said. Aug 12, 2023 · Polynesian football players are 28 times more likely to go pro than any other group. Oct 23, 2019 · The Inductees were selected from a field of more than 100 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack Dec 1, 2023 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2024 today. Mar 11, 2025 · The Polynesian College Football Offensive & Defensive Players of the Year were voted on by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz The Polynesian Football Hall Of Fame Presents The Polynesian Bowl The Polynesian Bowl is a premier all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawai`i that features 100 of the nation’s top ranked high school seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike – many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL Player Oct 17, 2022 · Lineman Al Lolotai The first Polynesian to play in the NFL was Offensive Lineman Al Lolotai, a Samoan, who was a member of the 1945 Washington Redskins. And wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is the only two-time Polynesian NFL Player of the Year, winning in 2017 and 2018. Jesse Sapolu’s decorated career has earned him the title of being one of the most prestigious Polynesian players in history. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame High School Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior high school football player of Polynesian ancestry. How does this happen? In 2020 he earned Pro Football Focus All-America Second Team, Phil Steele All-America honorable mention, Co-Polynesian College Player of the Year and finished No. com In those days, Sapolu said a dearth of Polynesian players in the NFL led him to study the schedule each year and identify the teams that included Polynesians. Dec 9, 2023 · Honolulu, HI (December 7, 2023) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has announced 10 Finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. From humble beginnings in the islands of Samoa, to playing in Super Bowl games alongside National Football League legends like Joe Montana Apr 15, 2025 · Executive produced by and featuring Tagovailoa, the new documentary captures the success of Polynesian NFL players and the impact their sports success has back on their communities. American Football fans in the Pacific are marking an historic occasion with the largest number of Polynesian players selected in NFL draft history over the weekend. Tagovailoa, of Samoan descent, was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft. com Apr 17, 2025 · The Dolphins quarterback will appear in and executive-produce "Culture of Winning: Polynesian Football Pride," a documentary telling the story of various Polynesian players in the NFL. A lengthy line greeted Nacua at his autograph session at the Rams' pop up shop at Wailea Village – where he also received some of that spam musubi. McMillan Jun 18, 2025 · However, most Polynesian NFL players traditionally played defensive positions or offensive line roles rather than quarterback. The Polynesian Bowl is an annual all-star game featuring 100 of the nation’s top ranked junior and senior high school football players to be broadcast live and in PRIMETIME on NFL Network on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET (4:00 PM HT The Finalists were selected from a Watch List of nearly 100 players by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The John Sherman " JuJu " Smith-Schuster (né Smith; born November 22, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). His list of accomplishments are MASSIVE! First-team All-Pro (2023) 2× Pro Bowl (2022, 2023) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021) Outland Trophy (2019) Polynesian Football Player of the Year (college) (2019) Morris Trophy (2019) Unanimous All-American (2019) First-team All-Pac-12 (2019) Top 5 Polynesian Players Currently in the NFL 🏈Check out this episode of Gridiron Junkeez with Samoan Raider and Mr. 24, 2018. [1] In 2017, roughly 1 out of 39 active players (2. [1][2] It was established in 2013 by former National Football League (NFL) players Jesse Sapolu and Maa Tanuvasa. S. Visit the 2022 Preseason Honors hub for more preseason accolades garnered by Clemson. There are 81 players on the initial list, which is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Steve Wyche talks to three Polynesian Football Dec 6, 2023 · Honolulu, HI (January 12, 2023) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today that Miami Dolphins Quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa and San Francisco 49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga have been selected as the 2022 recipients of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award presented by Hawaiian Airlines. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship during his freshman season The 2025 Polynesian Bowl was played at Kūnuiākea Stadium on the Kamehameha Kapālama campus on Friday, January 17. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs) in 2018, Jim Zorn (Washington) in 2019, Steve Spurrier (Washington) in 2020, and Romeo Crennel (Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans) in 2023. Additional information from the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame is included below. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa. #PolyPride #NFLdraft, A post shared by Polynesian Football HOF (@polynesianfbhof) on Apr 25, 2020 at 4:01pm PDT. 8 in the Heisman Trophy voting. The Aloha State has produced some massive players for the NFL. onnie Stanly was named the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year and Peni Sewell & Tua Tagovailoa were co-Polynesian College Players of the Year. Does the Polynesian Cultural Center have a Football Hall of Fame? The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. His speed, versatility, and impressive route-running have earned several teams’ attention as the draft draws closer. Apr 30, 2024 · Summary Polynesians are achieving remarkable success in the NFL draft, representing 5. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 9 PM Eastern Time. Steve Wyche talks to three Polynesian Football Other former NFL head coaches to lead the Polynesian Bowl include Dick Vermeil (Philadelphia Eagles, St. Presented annually, the award Mar 18, 2025 · Reading Time: 3 minutes Tetairoa McMillan is one of the most talented wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Get the list of the NFL Players Born in American Samoa, USA including their stats on Pro-Football-Reference. About the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year The Watchlist candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Team Makai (Ocean, blue jerseys) came away with a 28-21 victory over Team Mauka (Mountain, white jerseys) which was broadcast live on NFL Network. Sapolu is a leader in the Polynesian Football community, and will be the main character of Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy. The Big 12 is third with nine. Jan 12, 2023 · Tua Tagovailoa, of Samoan descent, was named the Polynesian Offensive Player of the Year. Aug 4, 2019 · HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Today offensive lineman Kevin Mawae became just the second Polynesian and first Native Hawaiian football player inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. A record 12 international players were drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Aug 6, 2019 · Honolulu, Hawai'i (August 6, 2019) – University of Wyoming senior linebacker Cassh Maluia has been named to the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List. With the Chiefs, he won Honolulu, HI (December 8, 2022) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today eight Finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its 2019 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award on Tuesday. The award goes annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Sep 14, 2024 · Both Suiaunoa and Tulafono are on the preseason Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list. The Polynesian Bowl features 100 of the nation’s top-ranked junior and senior high school football players. Zachary Kapono Wilson (born August 3, 1999) is an American professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, founded in 2013, celebrates the contributions of Polynesian players to the game and helps raise awareness of the Pacific Islands’ strong connection to American football. Aug 17, 2023 · The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Jan 1, 2025 · About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Highest-Paid Offensive Lineman in NFL History (2024): Achieved this distinction with his four-year, $112 million contract extension. Sewell, of Samoan descent, was a first-round pick by the Lions in the 2021 NFL draft. Dec 4, 2024 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2025 on Wednesday: Chris Kemoeatu, Jim Nicholson and Kalani Sitake. Tagovailoa was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft. Oct 26, 2018 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2019 on Wednesday, Oct. About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors. Aug 15, 2024 · The watch list is comprised of 96 players from 37 different FBS schools. There’s a belief in the unique physicality and prowess of Polynesian players in collision sports. Jun 19, 2025 · He is the latest Polynesian NFL star, joining players such as Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell and Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. Aug 17, 2023 · Talanoa received the inaugural Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award in 2017. Aug 6, 2019 · Air Force senior defensive lineman Mosese Fifita has been selected for the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list, announced today by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. The 200-plus Samoans playing Division I collegiate football are similarly overrepresented. Tua Tagovailoa became the first Samoan quarterback to win major college awards and achieve sustained NFL success. Past MVPs include AJ Epenesa, Puka Nacua, Travis Hunter, and Nico Iamaleava. Penei has started all 17 games for the Lions, and is Jun 21, 2025 · He is the latest Polynesian NFL star, joining players such as Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell and Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata. As fans celebrate the return of Aug 15, 2024 · The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson The Finalists were selected from a Watch List of nearly 100 players by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Jan 18, 2025 · (July 18, 2024) - The Polynesian Bowl announced today that Gary Kubiak and Ron Rivera have been selected as head coaches for the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. Dec 9, 2023 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today eight Finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. Honolulu, HI (August 14, 2025) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the Watch List for the 2025 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award. Dec 18, 2024 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today eight Finalists for the 2024 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award. Penei Sewell, who plays offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the NFL, was born in Malaeimi, American Samoa. He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, winning the Outland and Morris trophies in 2019. Polynesian football players have become part of the American football lexicon. Apr 27, 2025 · The 22-year-old receiver won Polynesian College Football Player of the Year last season. Aug 18, 2022 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today that quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has been named as one of 85 players on the watch list for this year's Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. If they do, then it is likely that we will see even more Samoan players in the league in years to come. Aug 15, 2024 · "The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in all of college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman Jan 20, 2018 · 2018 Polynesian Bowl Celebration Dinner The 2018 Polynesian Bowl celebration dinner features a star-studded list of future, current, and past NFL players including Marcus Mariota, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tua Tagovailoa, Jesse Sapolu, Ma'a Tanuvasa, Talanoa Hufanga, Vai Sikahema, Dick Vermeil, Terry Donahue, and much more. A San Diego His senior year accomplishments included being named to the all-Mountain West first-team, selection to the Associated Press and USA Today Mid-Season All America second-team, a Semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, a finalist for the Polynesian Player of the Year, and named the team's Most Valuable Player. Oct 15, 2025 · Here’s a list of the best NFL players from Hawaii. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. They date back to 2017 so it’s only the relatively young players in the NFL who may be on there, and then it’s just a matter of trying to spot names in a big list Reply reply More replies goldenglove • Others NFL coaches or players who have coached in the Polynesian Bowl are June Jones (2017 & 2022), Steve Spurrier (2020), Doug Williams (2022) and Jim Zorn (2019). Tua led the NFL in passing yards this Jan 25, 2016 · In Football We Trust follows the “Polynesian pipeline” to the NFL through the lives of young players in Utah striving to overcome poverty and gang violence. He won the Morris Trophy, Outland Trophy, and was selected as a co-recipient alongside Tua Tagovailoa of the 2019 Polynesian College Football Player of Honolulu, HI (August 17, 2023) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the 2023 Watchlist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. May 13, 2023 · Beyond Football: Troy Polamalu on being Polynesian in the NFL Before all the accolades and accomplishments, Polamalu was just an American Samoan kid from the West Coast. Oct 25, 2019 · UCLA has two Polynesian players on the 2019 Watch List – senior center Boss Tagaloa and redshirt junior tight end Devin Asiasi – but the culture for players hailing from west of the Mar 11, 2025 · Honolulu, HI (January 8, 2025) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today that Detroit Lions OL, Penei Sewell has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award presented by Hawaiian Airlines. Jan 7, 2020 · The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today that Baltimore Ravens Offensive Lineman, Ronnie Stanley has been selected as the 2019 recipient of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Jun 19, 2025 · In those days, Sapolu said a dearth of Polynesian players in the NFL led him to study the schedule each year and identify the teams that included Polynesians. Explore the journey and achievements honored at the Hall of Fame, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Polynesian football players and coaches who shaped the sport. Tua Tagovailoa (13) QB - Junior (2019) Selected as the Co-Polynesian Player of the Year also earned the Bobby Bowden Award an All-SEC second-team hon Get the list of the NFL Players Born in Samoa including their stats on Pro-Football-Reference. population. Dec 30, 2022 · The future of Samoan players in the NFL will largely depend on whether or not these trends continue. Oct 25, 2018 · Former Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu and defensive tackle Dan Saleaumua are among four individuals selected to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Fitz on YouTube or Listen on all Podcas May 18, 2023 · Since its inception in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl has celebrated the legacy of Polynesian NFL players, with a Polynesian Hall of Fame, as well as through an ambassador programme and high school all Ziyare Addison University of Oregon OT Carrollwood Day, FL Darius Afalava University of Oklahoma OT Skyridge, UT Sylas Alaimalo Uncommitted RB Damien, HI Benjamin Alefaio Arizona State University S Orange Lutheran, CA Samoan ancestry Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu Uncommitted DL Katy Jordan, TX Samoan, Tongan & Hawaiian ancestry Seuseu Alofaituli University of Miami OL Bishop Gorman, NV Jason Oct 13, 2018 · News Sports Former Cowboy/NFL Player Malcom Floyd Nominated For Polynesian Hall of Fame October 13, 2018 HONOLULU, HI – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday, that a former Wyoming Cowboy football play is one of 12 Finalists that will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019. lqsjuo jjtkg ghurs ugvu ciyxkf gvdqo nopey ixweq ccjkz prnoty ilmyez enmnl ldajq szhrj sqrcqp