Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020

Last week, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced it's Class of 2020.

From the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame website:

David Tukatahi Dixon

MāoriAncestry… Offensive Lineman … Arizona State University … Minnesota Vikings … 13 years professionally … Drafted in the 4th Round (44th pick) in the 1992 NFL Draft … Started 134 of the 152 games he played in the NFL … Born January 5, 1969 in New Zealand.

Frank Manumaleuga

Samoan Ancestry … Linebacker … UCLA … San Jose State … Kansas City Chiefs … 3 years professionally … Drafted in the 4th Round (85th pick) in the 1979 NFL Draft … Two-time All-American selection … Holds the San Jose State single-game record for most tackles in a game (27) … Inducted in San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame … Born May 9, 1956 in Laie, HI.

Haloti Ngata

Tongan Ancestry … Defensive Tackle … University of Oregon … Baltimore Ravens … Detroit Lions … Philadelphia Eagles … 13 years professionally … Drafted in the 1st Round (12th pick) in the 2006 NFL Draft … Two-time All-Pac 10 selection … Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year … Consensus All-American … Morris Trophy winner …  Super Bowl champion (XLVII) … Five-time Pro Bowl selection … Five-time All-Pro selection … Born January 21, 1984 in Inglewood, CA.

Dominic Raiola 

Hawaiian Ancestry … Offensive Lineman … University of Nebraska … Detroit Lions … 14 years professionally … Drafted in the 2nd Round (50th pick) in the 2001 NFL Draft …  Two-time All Big 12 Selection … Consensus All-American … Rimington Trophy winner … Received Chuck Hughes Award from Lions … Born December 30, 1978 in Honolulu, HI.

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David Dixon's presence in the Class of 2020 is what really caught my attention. I'm glad that he's getting some much deserved post-career recognition for his football days. He was part of one of the best offensive lines in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. He played right guard on a line that included left tackle Todd Steussie, left guard Randall McDaniel, center Jeff Christy, and late, great right tackle Korey Stringer. Dixon was the only member that received no Pro Bowl recognition during his career but he was as important as any of them. Running backs Robert Smith, Leroy Hoard, Scottie Graham, etc. safely ran through the gaping holes opened by that massive right side. All of the many quarterbacks that were under center for the Vikings during those days routinely scanned the field from the safety of a secure pocket. This was a great, fun offensive line and David Dixon was a very important part of it.

And, Haloti Ngata was a beast of a football player.

Congratulations to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

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 (O`ahu) 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.

Previous Inductees:

2014
Kurt Keola Gouveia
Olin George Kreutz 
Kevin James Mawae
Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. 
Jack Thompson
Herman John Wedemeyer
Ken Niumatalolo (Coach)

2015
Luther John Ellis
Manase Jessee Sapolu
Raymond Frederick Schoenke
Mosiula "Mosi" Faasuka Tatupu
Mark Pulemau Tuinei

2016
Charles Teetai Ane, Jr
Rockne Crowningburg Freitas
Troy Polamalu
Vai Sikahema
Albert Lolotai (Contributor)

2017
Junior Ah You
Riki Morgan Ellison
Christopher Kealoha Naeole
Ma'a Tanuvasa
John Manumaleuna (Contributor)

2018
Herman "Buddy" Pi'ikei Clark
Ma'ake Kemoeatu
Manu Tuiasosopo
Kimo Von Oelhoffen
Bob Apisa (Contributor)

2019 
Dan Saleaumua
Joe Salave'a
Lofa Tatupu
Marques Tuiasosopo