Former Vandal Mike Iupati named top Polynesian NFL player

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Mike Iupati has received the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award.

Iupati, in his sixth season out of the University of Idaho, has helped lead the Arizona Cardinals to a 13-3 regular season record. As a team, the Cardinals finished the regular season ranked first in total offense (408.3 yards per game), second in points scored (30.6 points per game), eighth in rushing yards (119.8 yards per game) and sixth in rushing touchdowns (16). Iupati was also selected to his fourth NFL Pro Bowl this season.

The inaugural award was voted on by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee members, composed of past head football coaches Dick Tomey, LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, former NFLplayer Kevin Mawae and Hawai’i sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

Other award finalists included QB Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans), LB Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals), LB Koa Misi (Miami Dolphins) and LB Manti Te`o (San Diego Chargers).