2017 Inductees
Christopher Kealoha Naeole (Player)
Hawaiian Ancestry … Offensive Line … University of Colorado … Consensus All-American (1996) … 2x All-Big 12 Selection (1995, 1996) … Selected by Saints in the 1st Round, 10th player overall (1997 NFL Draft), one of the highest Polynesians ever selected … 11 Seasons … New Orleans Saints (1997–2001) … Jacksonville Jaguars (2002–09) … Missed only one game in his 11 NFL seasons, and started 150 of 154 games … Born December 25, 1974 in Kailua, Hawai’i.
John Manumaleuna (Contributor)
Samoan Ancestry … Staunch advocate and mentor for Polynesian youth and families as they migrated into the California communities … A great proponent of education and responsible citizenry … He encouraged football and sports as a path to a better life for Polynesian kids … Founded Samoan Athletes in Action, which became the Big John Foundation shortly after his passing … Born March 13, 1950 in American Samoa … Died in 1980 at the age of 31.
Junior Ah You (Player)
Samoan Ancestry … Defensive Line … Arizona State University … 3x All-WAC Selection … Selected by Patriots in the 17th Round, 425th player overall (1972 NFL Draft) after already signing a CFL contract … 13 Seasons … Montreal Alouettes (1972–81) … Chicago Blitz (1983) … New Orleans Breakers (1984) … Arizona Outlaws (1985) … 2x CFL All-Star (1976, 1979) … 2x Grey Cup Champion (1974, 1977) … Grey Cup MVP (1974) … Arizona State Athletics and Canadian Football League Hall of Fame Inductee …Born December 30, 1948 in Faleniu, American Samoa.
MA’A TANUVASA (Player)
Samoan Ancestry … Defensive End … University of Hawai`i … WAC Champion (1992) … First-Team All-WAC Selection (1992) … Selected by Rams in the 8th Round, 209th player overall (1995 NFL Draft) … 8 Seasons … L.A. Rams (1993) … Pittsburgh Steelers (1994) … Denver Broncos (1995–2000) … San Diego Chargers (2001) … Atlanta Falcons (2002) … 2x Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII) … Broncos Sack Leader (1998, 1999) … Hawai`i Sports Hall of Fame Inductee … Born November 6, 1970 in Nu'uuli, American Samoa.
Riki Morgan Ellison (Player)
Māori Ancestry … Linebacker … University of Southern California … 2x Rose Bowl Champion (1979, 1980) … College Football National Champion (1978) … Selected by 49ers in the 5th round, 117th player overall (1983 NFL Draft) … 10 Seasons … San Francisco 49ers (1983–89) … Los Angeles Raiders (1990–92) … 3x Super Bowl Champion (XIX, XXIII, XXIV) … First player from New Zealand and of Māori Ancestry from the Maori Tribe Ngai Tahu to play in the NFL and win a Super Bowl … Born August 15, 1960 in Christchurch, New Zealand.