The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday that JuJu Smith-Schuster has been selected as the 2017 recipient of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award.
The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding professional football player of Polynesian Ancestry. Arizona Cardinals Offensive Guard Mike Iupati was selected as the inaugural recipient in 2015 and Tennessee Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariota was selected as the recipient in 2016.
"On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors, we congratulate JuJu on a historic season," said Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman Jesse Sapolu. "He truly represents the very best of our Polynesian culture."
The formal presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner along with being recognized at the Polynesian Bowl, to be held on January 20 in Oahu, Hawai`i. Smith-Schuster serves as a Polynesian Bowl Ambassador for this year's game.
The Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award was voted on by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee composed of Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche, and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
