Toledo Is AutoNation NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

September 15, 2015

Press Release

TOLEDO IS AutoNation NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK
Rockets stun Arkansas in Little Rock

DALLAS (FWAA) – The Toledo Rockets tallied their first road win over a top-25 non-conference opponent behind a defense that protected a slim second-half lead. The Rockets held No. 18 Arkansas to just three points in its four red-zone visits in the second half, and held on for a 16-12 win in Little Rock. Toledo’s first win over an SEC opponent earned it the AutoNation National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Sept. 12.

The Rockets (1-0), three-touchdown underdogs, held the Razorbacks to just 103 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Although outgained 515-318, Toledo’s defensive red zone play made the difference. Linebacker Jaylen Coleman led the way with a career-high 13 tackles, and the defense had eight pass breakups, led by a career-high three by cornerback Cheatham Norrils.

Quarterback Phillip Ely, a former backup at Alabama, threw for 237 yards and was efficient throughout, not taking a sack and completing seven third-down passes.

“Today’s game, in my opinion, was about a couple things: No. 1 was the belief in our football program vs. the odds,” Toledo head coach Matt Campbell told the Toledo Blade.

The Rockets were 0-14 on the road against top-25 non-conference opponents prior to Saturday. Their last win over a ranked team was a 29-23 win over No. 18 Cincinnati in 2012. Toledo opened its season last week at home against Stony Brook, but bad weather halted the game early on, and it was later canceled.

Other AutoNation National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 12 included:

• Bowling Green (1-1): The Falcons exploded for 42 second-half points after trailing 13-6 at halftime and won at Maryland, 48-27. Bowling Green outgained Maryland, 692-341, its highest yardage output under head coach Dino Babers. Redshirt senior quarterback Matt Johnson threw for 491 yards (second-highest total in school history) and six touchdowns (tying the school record).

• BYU (2-0): The Cougars were last-minute winners again as freshman quarterback Tanner Mangum threw to a leaping Mitchell Juergens for a 35-yard touchdown with 45 seconds left, keeping BYU undefeated with a 35-24 win over Boise State. BYU has upset ranked teams in consecutive weeks to start the season. Kai Nacua clinched the win with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown, his third pick of the game, with 40 seconds left.

• Eastern Michigan (1-1): The Eagles surprised Wyoming with 38 first-half points and cruised to a 48-29 win, earning their first non-conference road win since 1988. The win also snapped a 14-game road losing streak dating back to the 2012 season. Sophomore quarterback Brogan Roback threw for a career-high 330 yards and three touchdowns.

As part of AutoNation’s history of charitable involvement, AutoNation will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in the University of Toledo’s name. This charitable college football initiative culminates with the AutoNation Cure Bowl, a new post-season NCAA football game that kicks off bowl season at the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., and will be aired by CBS Sports Network. The aptly named AutoNation Cure Bowl also serves as a fund raiser for the BCRF, CharityWatch’s only A+ rated breast cancer organization in the country.

“We want to celebrate the very best of college football, while also helping to raise awareness for the importance of finding a cure for cancer,” says AutoNation CMO Marc Cannon. “This season-long partnership with the FWAA, leading up to the AutoNation Cure Bowl, puts a spotlight on a cause that we’re determined to tackle.”

“In our 75th season of existence, this a marvelous platform to get our players and the team of the week series excellent exposure as well as helping AutoNation in its effort to fight cancer and contribute to the educational funds of deserving student-athletes,” said FWAA 2015 President Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald. “It is very exciting to be able to help our organization as well as others in this splendid effort.”

The Football Writers Association of America has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the first season AutoNation has presented the award. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor. Each remaining Monday during the 2015 college football regular season, the FWAA will name a National Team of the Week. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor.

AutoNation is also the presenting sponsor of the FWAA’s national offensive and defensive players of the week announced each Tuesday, the 2015 FWAA All-America Team and the 75th Anniversary FWAA All-America Team. The 2015 AutoNation FWAA All-America Team will be announced at the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 19.

About AutoNation, Inc.:
AutoNation is transforming the automotive retail industry through bold leadership. We deliver a peerless automotive retail experience through our customer-focused sales and service processes. Owning and operating 293 new vehicle franchises, which sell 35 new vehicle brands across 15 states, AutoNation is America’s largest automotive retailer, with state-of-the-art operations and the ability to leverage economies of scale that benefit the customer. As an indication of our leadership position in our industry, AutoNation is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

About the AutoNation Cure Bowl:
The AutoNation Cure Bowl a new post-season NCAA football game whose net proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The AutoNation Cure Bowl takes place December 19 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, and will be broadcast by CBS Sports Network. The bowl is scheduled to involve teams from the American Athletic and Sun Belt conferences.

About the Football Writers Association of America:
Founded in 1941, the FWAA consists of 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

2015 AutoNation National Teams of the Week
• Weekend of Sept. 5: Temple Owls
• Weekend of Sept. 12: Toledo Rockets

Pac – 12 Players of the Week

Press Release

September 14, 2015

Pac – 12 Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO — Quarterback Luke Falk of Washington State, linebacker Gionni Paul of Utah and wide receiver Bralon Addison of Oregon have been named offensive, defensive and special teams Pac -12 Players of the Week in football.

Falk, a redshirt sophomore from Logan, Utah, threw for a season-high 478 yards, completing 47-of-66 passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions in Washington State’s come-from-behind, 37-34 win at Rutgers. Falk saved his best performance for last, leading the Cougars on a 10-play, 90-yard drive in 1:31, capped with an 8-yard TD pass to River Cracraft with 13 seconds remaining. He completed his first 13 passes and ended the first half 24-of-29 for 201 yards and guided two WSU touchdown drives after Rutgers had taken leads in the fourth quarter. Falk’s 478 yards are the second-most of his career and the third time in five career starts he has eclipsed the 400-yard mark. The win marked WSU’s first victory against a Big Ten school since defeating Purdue in the 2001 Sun Bowl, and first win in the Eastern Time Zone since 1996.

Paul, a senior linebacker from Winter Haven, Fla., made two key impact fourth-quarter plays for Utah in the 24-14 win over Utah State. Paul recovered a fumble on the Utah 25-yard line, and then made a game-clinching interception at the Utah 7-yard line with three minutes remaining. He finished the game with seven tackles (1.0 TFL), a fumble recovery and an interception. Paul’s tackle-for-loss helped the Utah defense force three-straight three-and-outs to start the second half.

Addison, a junior wide receiver from Missouri City, Texas, returned four punts for the Ducks, including an 81-yard return for a touchdown in the 31-28 loss to Michigan State. His touchdown return tied the score at 14-14 with 13:11 to play in the third quarter, marking Oregon’s 33^rd non-offensive touchdown since 2010 to lead the country. He now has three punt returns for touchdowns in his career, despite missing all of the 2014 season recovering from a knee injury. Addison ranks 14^th in the country in punt return average at 20.8.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Nick Wilson, RB, ARIZ; Demario Richard, RB, ASU; Trevor Davis, WR, CAL; Offensive Line, OL, COLO; Bryce Love, RB, STAN; Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA; JuJu Smith-Schuester, WR, USC; Devontae Booker, RB, UTAH, Myles Gaskin, TB, WASH; Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Christian Sam, LB, ASU; Darius Allensworth, CAL; Chidobe Awuzie, CB; COLO; Rommel Mageo, LB, OSU; Blake Martinez, ILB, STAN; Kenny Young, LB, UCLA; Also Nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Conrad Ukropina, K, STAN; Ka’imi Fairbairn, PK, UCLA; Erik Powell, K, WSU

UCLA Shows Up In The Desert

Jevone Moore

September 13, 2015

Deon Hollins on Rebels QB. Photo by Juan Lainez — Deon Hollins sacks Rebels QB. Photo by Juan Lainez

Paul Perkins find the edge 151 yards 2 TD's. Photo by Juan Lainez — Paul Perkins finds the edge finishes with 151 yards 2 TD’s. Photo by Juan Lainez

Las Vegas, Nevada – Josh Rosen starts where he left off last week completing pass to Jordan Payton for 29 yards for a touchdown to start the game. UCLA shows up in the desert to defeat UNLV 37-3 as the final. UCLA being on the road at UNLV, where Bruins are 12-2 away from home since the start of the 2013 season, including a seven-game road win streak that ranks fourth in the FBS.

The ground game as whole rolling down hill after it got going. Paul Perkins the quiet leader shined with 151 yards on 18 carries with 2 touchdowns. Perkins was quiet in week one but didn’t wait long to show why his was leading rusher in Pac-12 last year. Four other backs were able to get some runs in this blow out. The backfield as whole had 273 yards with 5.9 average which is first down every two carries, what team wouldn’t want that.

As if the Rebels didn’t have an uphill battle against the Bruins, their starting quarterback Blake Decker went down earlier with a hamstring and left for game. The pressure and the keys to offensive was given to Kurt Palandech who managed 4 pass completions. The fast Bruins players off the edge where too much to handle and left them searching for answers.

Deon Hollins Ready to Strike. Photo by Juan Lainez

Linebackers for UCLA played big creating two big turnovers earlier. Kenny Young with 23 yard pick six to slow down the scrappy Rebels when offense was struggling a little bit bring the score 17-0. Then other backer Deon Hollins was all over the field with key tackles, hurries, and fumble recovery. Then the emotional leader on the defense is Myles Jack and you could hear one of his hits back in Westwood. The team is still getting better each snap and working towards being a factor in Pac-12 South at end of the year.

The Bruins was slowed down in 2nd quarter not having offensive score on their last five drives to close the half. Yes Rosen threw his first interception of his career in 3rd quarter with 10:28 left on clock. He was hit as he threw and little to no velocity on his throw was scooped up by safety. But it’s all part of learning and still an impressive win that allowed the Bruins to play reserves on both sides of ball the whole fourth quarter.

UCLA will return home to Rose Bowl next Saturday to face the hottest or luckiest team in college football right now. The BYU Cougars are 2-0 winning both of their contest on hail marry to steal victories. So the Bruins can’t get caught in a shootout with the Cougars it’s way to dangerous.

USC Trojans Slams Idaho

Jevone Moore

September 13, 2015

USC Trojans Slams Idaho. Photo by Jordon Kelly

Trojan JuJu Smith-Schuster 10 catches 192 yards, 2 TD's. Photo by Jordon Kelly — Trojan JuJu Smith-Schuster 10 catches 192 yards, 2 TD’s. Photo by Jordon Kelly

Los Angeles, Ca- The Trojans came ready to play in the second home game to start the season. On Trojans opening drive it only took 7 plays 75 yards ending with a Justin Davis 2 yard touchdown run. Idaho came in with a game plan that just never really got started. The Trojans behind true team effort slams Idaho 59-9.

The running game was shut down in first half on the last game for the Trojans but tonight on second drive J. Davis found some room on right side on stretch play for big yards before scoring his 2nd touchdown of game for 14-0 lead in 1st quarter. Even through the air Cody Kessler was on fire throwing 410 yards 3 touchdowns. Kessler first touchdown pass was a 50 yard catch, by JuJu Smith-Schuster off play action pass to exploit Idaho secondary. Then his last one in the 3rd quarter also to Smith-Schuster a 41 yard bomb to stretch the lead 52-9 3:44 left before 4th.

Cody Kessler back to pass on a 410 yard 3 TD's performance. Photo by Jordon Kelly — Cody Kessler back to pass on a 410 yard 3 TD’s performance. Photo by Jordon Kelly

Idaho got on the scoreboard after 4th & 2 inside 5 yard line & elected to kick a field goal to make game 21-3. They struggled most of the night to move the ball on the Trojans defense. Later in second half they began to have little success based on effort plays by Idaho.

Trojans had a second running back Tre Madden play big earlier picking up a 4th & 2 on the 9 yard line then 1st goal Madden slams in on left side behind pulling guard for 7 yard touchdown. The play had to be reviewed because it was close to being down at the 1 yard line but the call on the field stood making score 28-3 with 12:00 left before the half. Madden finished 40 yards as he watched the starter J. Davis had 74 yards with 14.8 average per carry.

Idaho’s quarterback Matt Linehan completed a pass to Buck Cowan for 10 yds for their first touchdown in 3rd quarter. Linehan did manage 194 yards total for the game. The running game was contained to only 71 yards averaging 2.2 yards per carry.

Adoree' Jackson showing his back. Photo by Jordon Kelly — Adoree’ Jackson showing his back. Photo by Jordon Kelly

The final score may look similar to last week score but this was win that was much better execution for the Trojans. The running game set up the pass game for the offensive explosion which will have Coach Steve Sarkisan pleased. This will be very much need for next week against big bodies of Stanford to open Pac-12 conference play.

San Diego Chargers Win at Home

Jevone Moore

September 13, 2015

San Diego, Ca – In a close 5 point win at Qualcomm stadium against Detroit Lions. The San Diego Chargers open this NFL season maybe for the last time if they team relocate to Los Angeles. The home fans saw Phillip Rivers throw 42 times with 35 completions for 404 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The 33 – 28 win wasn’t perfect over Detroit but all you need to do is win week after week. So now going on road next week the Chargers know how to win. The running game didn’t fill stat sheets, Danny Woodhead did get on the score board for two touchdowns on 42 yards. The Chargers rookie Melvin Gordon was leading rusher for his team with 51 yards. The Lions rookie Ameer Abdullah was most impressive on his first NFL carry for 24 yard touchdown and left Chargers safety grabbing all air.

The big story line pregame was Lions Calvin “Megatron” Johnson who was held to 2 catches for 39 yards vs Chargers Keenan Allen pulled in 15 catches for 166 yards. Rivers put a lot of pressure on his offensive line having them slow down the Lions rush for over 40 pass plays due to playing from behind most of the game.

Head Coach Mike McCoy was pleased with the overall performance, know that this was game one and team is still going to get better each week. McCoy was the most impressed by team he said, “We stick together and we play as one” . Being one is always helps because the house in not divided. As this team goes through the season they will need something to stand on, Rivers “We are still building our identity”

So the Chargers will thank the Lions for the two turnovers in 3rd quarter that helped get the game back to striking distance. Both of these teams will have an opportunity next week to get better and a win. The Lions will travel to face Minnesota who will be coming off a short week after a Monday night contest. Then the Chargers will face Cincinnati in Ohio in the earlier game back east.

Serra To Much For Carson

Jevone Moore

September 12, 2015

QB Khalil Tate breaking away from Carson. Photo by Jevone Moore

Long Beach, Ca – The big stadium lights of Vet’s Memorial Stadium were the perfect venue for Khalil Tate Serra’s quarterback to return. The Serra Cavaliers beat the visiting Carson Colts 43-0 once the clock clicked zero. Both programs are trying to get back to their winning ways, and playing sound football.

If you were in attendance at the game you definitely got to know #14 of Serra which is Tate who had 242 yards, 2 touchdowns on night (130 Rush/ 112 Pass). The first quarter was a stalemate filled with fourth down stops by both teams and few turnovers. Then Serra Speed showed up on 90 yard touchdown run up their sideline you could see Carson defenders looking like they were in slow motion. This was first of many touchdown by Serra in second quarter. At the half the score was 23-0, leaving Carson head coach Kevin McCall searching for answers to get his team on track.

Carson quarterback Jaja Bellinger is learning on the fly as true freshman (9th grade) showing pose and maturity. His youth hurt Carson in 1st quarter on 4th & 3 with a quarterback sneak, just didn’t seem like he know where the sticks were. Overall as freshman the performance was good and you can only imagine what Bellinger will look like in few years.

Randy Anyanwu busted open the defensive with a 72 yard touchdown. Photo by Jevone Moore

Randy Anyanwu busted open the defensive with a 72 yard touchdown run in end of third quarter that took score to 36-0. Serra offensive is read option sometimes, which lead to last score because few series before on same play Tate kept the ball scampered in 12 yard score. Serra coach Scott Altenberg was pleased with his team, “We like to play fast, we play better when we play fast..” After the rust was knocked off Tate and crew found their groove.

Next week Serra will play a very good Narbonne team, they were able to pitch a shutout. The defense stepped up missing linebackers Merlin Robertson & Tysyn Parker. Carson will host Paramount next week, Bellinger and running back Adrean Hooper will have to carry the offensive load.

Adrean Hooper finding the edge for a few yards. Photo by Jevone Moore

Game Photos Can Viewed Full Image 360

Steelers Kickoff Their Opener – NFL

Jevone Moore

September 11, 2015

NFL Kickoff Sept 10th, 2015 Pittsburgh vs. New England

Gillette Stadium – The NFL kicked off it 2015-16 season in prime time with the defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The crowd at hand were full of energy being able to celebrate the new season and congratulate it’s Super Bowl winning team. Owner Robert Kraft came running onto the field holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy to roar of the crowd. Then a blast of fireworks to summons the reveal of their Championships banner hung in the raptures. Both Patriots quarterbacks lead the team out to the field with helmets off to show their faces.

After all the pre game hype was over the game was set to began between two of the NFL storied franchises. The Patriots took the victory today over the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21. Of course this game had to have some controversy involved in it, we are dealing with the Pats. You either love them or hat them, but in end they find away to win more often than some would want. Earlier in the game the Steelers coaches head seats where experience interference with Patriots broadcast playing in their ears. Before we blame the Pats, let’s look at the facts rain, weather play a part plus all communications for both teams are handled by the NFL. So blame Roger Goodell and crew but wait Roger didn’t show up to game due to not wanting to be a distraction. The fans knew it, late in the game you could the fans chanting, “Where is Roger, Where is Roger?”

With the pent up frustration almost behind him Tom Brady completed 78% of his passes for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. Not a bad start after almost not being able to play for four games. Last year at this time we were wondering is this the Patriots. The unstoppable tight end Rob Gronkowski was the difference tonight and year ago. Gronk is healthy this year and torched the Steelers for 3 touchdowns that could have been four but was reversed by replay. It didn’t matter if there was a safety, linebacker, or double coverage Brady was going to find his guy. When time for a first down then there was Julian Edelman who finished the game with 11 catches that kept the chains moving.

Steelers fans won’t go run and hide because there were flashes of greatness, Big Ben Roethlisberger move ball down the field well most of the game. There were times when even his favorite target Antonio Brown was just not enough. Brown was being guarded by Malcolm Butler most of night but still was able to have 9 catches for 133 yards with a touchdown. The big surprise was running back DeAngelo Williams who was filling in due to a four game suspension to Le’Veon Bell. Williams showed off his quickness and power after trimming down 20 pounds for his new roll amassing 127 yards on 21 carries. He looked like a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, big , strong, hard nose, rumbling into the secondary inflecting pain.

This two teams will have few extras days before their next game but the game was all the NFL could ask for on display. The Steelers will work on their defense & kicking game to ensure better results this year. While the Patriots will have to make sure on defense they find away to turn the running backs back inside and not have such a loose edge contain. If both teams stay healthy we will see them in playoffs again maybe AFC championship game.

ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Begin Second Year of Autonomy Process

Press Release

September 11, 2015

Pac-12 Press Release

ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Begin Second Year of Autonomy Process

Preliminary Concepts have been Submitted; Final Proposals to be Released on Nov. 15; Autonomy Session on Jan. 15 at NCAA Convention

SAN FRANCISCO— Over the past several years, the five conferences of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC have worked both individually and collectively to create a 21st Century experience for student-athletes. Areas of reform have included enhancements to the health and well-being of students, including liberalizing meal legislation and focusing on sport-related injuries, notably concussions. The five conferences have also adopted protections for athletic scholarships as well as increased the value of a full grant-in-aid to cover the full cost of attendance. Finally, additional benefits incidental to participating in athletics have been made available to student-athletes and their families, which have been in addition to the millions of dollars in direct assistance provided each year through the Student Assistance Fund.

The 2015-16 year marks the second year in which the five conferences have autonomy over certain areas of NCAA rules. Numerous preliminary concepts intended to enhance the student-athlete experience have been submitted into this year’s legislative cycle. These concepts will now undergo a period of preliminary review and refinement, during which time amendments may be proposed and any or all of the five conferences may join together to support a concept through co-sponsorship. Proposals will take their final form by November 15th, at which point they will be published and made available for comment by all of the Division I membership. The proposals will then be voted on during the autonomy session at the NCAA Convention on January 15, 2016.

The commissioners of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC commented on the importance of the autonomy process: “Our universities have made significant strides to modernize college athletics and improve the student-athlete experience. There is more work to do, but collectively we have sharpened our focus on the overall objective of preparing our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field – in college and in life.”

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2016 Finalists

Press Release

September 10, 2015

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2016 Finalists

At a glance:

Finalists have been selected from over 200 nominees.
Finalists represent 17 Pro Bowl selections and 14 NFL & Super Bowl Championships.
The Class of 2016 Inductees will be announced on October 7, 2015.
Inductees will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29 & 30, 2016 in Oahu, Hawai’i.

HONOLULU, HI (September 10, 2015) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today 25 Finalists will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The list includes 20 players and five coaches/contributors.

The Finalists were chosen from a field of over 200 nominees by a Selection Committee which includes Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride, and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the six members (five players and one coach/contributor) who will be inducted as the Polynesian Football Hall of FameClass of 2016.

“Over the past several weeks the Selection Committee has been deliberating over the 2016 Finalists,” said Dick Tomey. “This is quite a challenge because there are so many great Polynesian players, coaches and contributors that have made an incredible impact on the game of football.”

This year’s inductees will be announced on October 7, 2015. They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, to be held at the Hawai’i Convention Center and at the Polynesian Cultural Center on January 29 & 30, 2016.

PLAYER FINALISTS

Junior Ah You (DE) Arizona State, Pro: CFL & USFL 12 years, Samoan ancestry
Bob Apisa (FB/HB) Michigan State, Pro: NFL (GB) 1 year, Samoan ancestry
Charles “Charlie” Teetai Ane, Jr. (OL) USC, Pro: NFL (DET) 6 years, Samoan ancestry
Herman “Buddy” Piikei Clark (OL) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (CHI) 4 years, Hawaiian ancestry
Riki Morgan Ellison (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SF, OAK) 8 years, Maori ancestry
Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (OL) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (DET, TB) 10 years, Hawaiian ancestry
Ma’ake Tu’amelie Kemoeatu (DT) Utah, Pro: NFL (BAL, CAR, WAS) 11 years, Tongan ancestry
Brandon Manumaleuna (TE) Arizona, Pro: NFL (STL, SD, CHI) 10 years, Samoan ancestry
Chris Naeole (G) Colorado, Pro: NFL (NO, JAX) 11 years, Hawaiian ancestry
Alapati “Al” Noga (DL) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 6 years, Samoan ancestry
Niko Noga (LB) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (AZ, DET) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Troy Polamalu (DB) USC, PRO: NFL (PIT) 12 years, Samoan ancestry
Joe Fagaone Salave’a (DL) Arizona, Pro: NFL (TEN, BAL, SD, WAS) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Dan Saleaumua (DT) Arizona State, Pro: NFL (DET, KC, SEA) 12 years, Samoan ancestry
Vai Sikahema (RB/KR) BYU, Pro: NFL (AZ, GB, PHI) 8 years, Tongan ancestry
Ma’a Tanuvasa (DE) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (STL, PIT, DEN, SD, ATL) 9 years, Samoan ancestry
Mosiula Mea’alofa “Lofa” Tatupu (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SEA) 6 years, Samoan ancestry
Manu’ula “Manu” Asovalu Tuiasosopo (DL) UCLA, Pro: NFL (SEA, SF) 7 years, Samoan ancestry
Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo (QB) Washington, Pro: NFL (OAK, NYJ) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Kimo von Oelhoffen (DL) Boise State, Pro: NFL (CIN, PIT, NYJ, PHI) 15 years, Hawaiian ancestry

COACH & CONTRIBUTOR FINALISTS

Thomas Ka’auwai Ka’ulukukui, Former Head Coach at University of Hawai’i, Hawaiian ancestry
Cal Lee, Head Football Coach, St. Louis High School (HI), Hawaiian ancestry
Albert “Al” Lolotai, First Polynesian to play Professional Football, Samoan ancestry
John Manumaleuna, Southern California Advocate for Polynesian Youth, Samoan ancestry
Charlie Wedemeyer, Former Head Football Coach, Los Gatos High School (CA), Hawaiian ancestry