A powerful celebration of culture, legacy, and athletic excellence took center stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center as the 2025 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame inductees were honored. “These men embody the spirit of Polynesia and have left an enduring mark on the game of football,” said Jesse Sapolu, Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-founder, and inductee.

2025 Inductees:

Jim Nicholson (Samoan ancestry)
A standout offensive lineman from Michigan State University, Nicholson played eight seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs before retiring in 1981.

Chris Kemoeatu (Tongan ancestry)
An anchor on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line, Kemoeatu played seven seasons in the NFL, winning two Super Bowl championships. He began his football journey at Kahuku High School in Hawai‘i, where he helped capture the school’s first state title in 2000 and was named Hawai‘i’s High School Defensive Player of the Year.

Kalani Sitake (Tongan ancestry)
The first Tongan to become a collegiate head football coach, Sitake currently leads BYU. In 2024, he was recognized as a finalist for several national coaching honors, including the AFCA National Coach of the Year and the Eddie Robinson Award. He also received the Region 4 Coach of the Year distinction.

In an emotional speech, Coach Sitake reflected on his deep roots in the Laie community:

“This place means a lot to me. I was born in Tonga, but just a few months later we moved here to Laie. This is where I grew up, where I learned about life and sports—cheering for Kahuku, cheering for BYU. Laie Park is where I picked up a football and a basketball for the first time. It’s where I learned sportsmanship, love, how to care for teammates, and how to be part of a family.

I was embraced by this community, and I’m forever grateful. I want to thank my family for believing in me and pushing me. And most of all, I want to thank God—my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ—for His sacrifice for me. Thank you so much.”

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame:

Established in 2013 by Super Bowl champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa, the Hall honors the greatest Polynesian players, coaches, and contributors in football history. Since its founding, it has awarded over $300,000 in college scholarships to student-athletes of Polynesian descent.

The Hall’s mission is to:

• Preserve and promote Polynesian football history

   

• Provide scholarships to the alma maters of its inductees

   

• Support youth education and character development through sports

   

• Celebrate and uplift Polynesian culture and heritage