Updates

The NFL Foundation announced its enhanced support of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and the NFL’s ongoing support of fostering the growth of Polynesian football players in the U.S. The NFL Foundation will proudly support the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame with a $75,000 grant contributing to player and coach development, general operations, coaching clinics and officiating expansion.

“We are honored and proud to have the support of the NFL in our effort to increase opportunities for our community,” said Jesse Sapolu, four-time Super Bowl Champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. “The significant impact of Polynesians in football continues to grow with more than 70 players on NFL rosters, hundreds playing at the collegiate level and thousands more in the high school ranks, performing at the highest levels today.”

Along with the partnership, the NFL will invite Polynesian coaches to participate in the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, which provides current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools with an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen. Current full-time position coaches, coordinators, and assistant or associate head coaches at NCAA member institutions are eligible to apply. In addition, officials associated with the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame are invited to apply to the Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic (TBFOC), consisting of experienced football officials who have varying levels of experience. The group’s primary focus is to train and develop the best football officials in the region.

“Both the NFL and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame have a longstanding history of developing and supporting the game of football,” says Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers owner. “By deepening our commitment to diversity, we are expanding opportunities for all. We are excited to support the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame through this partnership.”