POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME UNVEILS CLASS OF 2022
November 18, 2021 (Honolulu, HI) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2021 today. Three Inductees were selected from a list of eight Finalists.
The Class of 2022 is Malcom Floyd of Samoan Ancestry, Mike Iupati of Samoan Ancestry and Tom Kaulukukui of Hawaiian Ancestry.
“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, we congratulate the Class of 2022,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder and Inductee. “Their accomplishments on and off the field showcase the best of our Polynesian community.”
The Class of 2022 will be honored along with the Class of 2021 (Al Noga, Niko Noga & Charlie Wedemyer) at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 21 & 22, 2022.
The Inductees were selected from a field of over 100 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack Thompson (Chairman), Coaches 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, and NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche. In addition to the Selection Committee, all living Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Inductees cast a vote to select the Class of 2022.
MIKE IUPATI (G) Idaho; Pro (SFO, ARI, SEA) 10 years professionally, Samoan ancestry
- Drafted in the 1st Round (16th pick) in the 2010 NFL Draft
- 4x Pro Bowl Selection (2012–2015)
- First-team All-Pro (2012); Second-team All-Pro (2015)
- Named a Consensus All-American selection at the University of Idaho
MALCOM FLOYD (WR) Wyoming; Pro (SAN), 10 years professionally, Samoan ancestry
- 2x All-Mountain West Conference Selection in College.
- 2014 Ed Block Courage Award Recipient
- Finished NFL Career with 321 Catches, 5,550 yards, and 34 Touchdowns
- Ranks 10th in Chargers All-Time Receiving Yardage
TOMMY KAULUKUKUI, Born January 22, 1913, Died March 9, 2007, Hawaiian Ancestry
- Was the first UH athlete to earn All-American recognition as a football player in the 1930s.
- Kaulukukui, who was dubbed “Grass Shack” by the great sportswriter Grantland Rice, earned 17 letters in five different sports.
- In six seasons as head coach, Kaulukukui led University of Hawai`i to a 34-18-3 record. For his accomplishments, he was chosen as a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame Association.
About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. 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. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org
About the Polynesian Bowl: The Polynesian Bowl is held annually during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week and is televised LIVE on CBS Sports Network. Major sponsors include adidas, BodyArmor, CrossCountry Mortgage, Friends of Hawai’i Charities, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, Hawai‘i News Now, Hawai’i Tourism Authority, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel and Riddell. www.PolynesianBowl.com