Arizona Cardinals guard Mike Iupati is the winner of the first-ever Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award, which recognizes the top NFL player of Polynesian ancestry.
Iupati, who is of Samoan ancestry, joined the Cardinals as a free agent before the 2015 season. He guided an offensive line that helped the Cards become one of the NFL's best rushing and passing teams this season.
"As a proud Polynesian and Samoan, I am honored to be selected as the inaugural Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year,” Iupati said in a statement.
“I would like to congratulate the other finalists, Marcus Mariota, Rey Maualuga, Koa Misi and Manti Te'o as they represent the very best of our culture and the National Football League.”
Iupati will formally accept the award at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on Jan. 29.
Iupati's selection was made by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Former Arizona Wildcats football coach Dick Tomey is the committee chairman.
