Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award Finalists Announced

At a glance:

• Five Finalists have been selected from a Watch List comprised of 25 players.
• The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year will be announced on January 5, 2016.
• The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29 & 30, 2016 on Oahu, Hawai’i.

Honolulu, HI (December 29, 2015) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today five Finalists for the inaugural Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award, presented by Hawaiian Airlines.  The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award will recognize the most outstanding professional football player of Polynesian Ancestry. 

The five Finalists include OL Mike Iupati (Arizona Cardinals), QB Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans), LB Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals), LB Koa Misi (Miami Dolphins) and LB Manti Te`o (San Diego Chargers). 

“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors, we congratulate the inaugural Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Finalists,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. “Each of the Finalists has had an outstanding season and showcase the immense talent of Polynesian athletes at the highest level of football.”

The Finalists were chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee members, composed of past head football coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawai’i sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

The winner of the 2015 Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on January 5. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29, 2016.

2015 Finalists