HONOLULU — The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2019 on Wednesday. Four inductees were selected from a list of 12 finalists.
The Class of 2019 is Joe Salave’a, Dan Saleaumua, Lofa Tatupu and Marques Tuiasosopo.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we congratulate the Class of 2019,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame chairman, co-founder and inductee. “Their accomplishments on and off the field make each of them truly worthy of this recognition.”
The inductees were selected from a field of over 200 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes coaches Dick Tomey (chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFL player and inaugural inductee Olin Kreutz, past NFLPA President and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche and Honolulu sportscaster Robert Kekaula. In addition to the Selection Committee, all living Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Inductees cast a vote to select the inductees.
The Class of 2019 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 18-19. The Polynesian High School, College and Professional Players of Year honorees will be announced later this year.
w Joe Fagaone Salave’a: Samoan ancestry; defensive lineman; played collegiately at University of Arizona; two-time First Team All-Pac 10 selection in college; drafted in the fourth round (107th pick) in 1998 NFL Draft; played professionally for eight years for Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens; Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Redskins; current defensive line coach and associate head coach at the University of Oregon; born March 23, 1975 in Leone, American Samoa.
w Raymond Daniel Saleaumua: Samoan ancestry; defensive tackle; played collegiately at Arizona State University; drafted in the seventh round (175th pick) in the 1987 NFL Draft; played 12 years professionally for Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks; 1990 All-Pro selection; 1995 Pro Bowl selection; holds Kansas City Chiefs record for most fumble recoveries (18); coached at Desert Vista High School (Ariz.); born Nov. 25, 1964 in San Diego, Calif.
w Mosiula Mea’alofa “Lofa” Tatupu: Samoan ancestry; linebacker; played collegiately at University of Southern Cal; 2004 All Pac-10 selection; 2004 First Team All-American selection; drafted in the second round (45th pick) of 2005 NFL Draft; played six years pro for Seattle Seahawks; three-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2006, 2007); 2007 First Team All-Pro selection; selected to Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team; born Nov. 15, 1982 in San Diego, Calif.
w Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo: Samoan ancestry; quarterback; played collegiately at University of Washington; 2000 Pac-12 Player of the Year; 2001 Rose Bowl MVP; ranked eighth in 2000 Heisman voting; drafted in the second round (59th pick) of the 2001 NFL Draft; played eight years pro for Oakland Raiders and New York Jets; born March 22, 1979 in Long Beach, Calif.
