polynesian football players
ESPN— Growing up in Washington, Jack Thompson likely never could have imagined this moment. Known as the "Throwin' Samoan," Thompson was an NFL rarity. When he'd gone to college at Washington State, teammates asked him what position he played.
Quarterback, he told them.
Then Thompson played his way...
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA — This past Saturday, Oct. 19th, the USC Trojans defeated the Arizona Wildcats 41-14.
The University of Southern California’s roster this year is loaded with Polynesian players, including Leone’s very own Juliano Falaniko.
The linebacker (#41) is pictured with his mother...
FOOTBALL MATTERS — “When you look at the special players who’ve come from Polynesia and Polynesian backgrounds, they’ve really impacted the game and made it a better game.” Polynesian athletes are 28 times more likely to play in the NFL. Their culture has had a tremendous impact on the game of...
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Joshua Kelley has been watching the UCLA-USC rivalry since he was 8 years old. On Saturday, he cemented his legacy in the Crosstown Showdown's history.
The junior running back rushed for 289 yards on 40 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Bruins to a 34-27 victory...

![Jack Thompson (born May 18, 1956) is an American Samoan former professional American football player, a quarterback in the National Football League for six seasons, four with the Cincinnati Bengals and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was known as "the Throwin' Samoan," a nickname bestowed on him by Spokesman-Review columnist Harry Missildine during Thompson's breakout sophomore season at Washington State University in 1976. [photo: Wikipedia] Jack Thompson](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/jack_thompson.jpg?itok=ypRtJ1vv)
![[courtesy photo] The Falaniko family](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/falaniko_family.jpg?itok=KmI6cd3R)
![[Screenshot from video] [Screenshot from video of Polynesian football player](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/screen_shot_2019-01-10_at_10.18.03_am.png?itok=WflbjJSY)
![Players of Polynesian Heritage, gathered after the Los Angeles' Crosstown Rivalry UCLA vs USC Football Game to salute their families connected internationally by the Samoa News. Top: L-R Devin Asiasi (TE), Marlon Tuipolotu (DL), Boss Tagaloa (OL), Atonio Mafi (DL),Toa Lobendahn (Center), Tyler Manoa (DL), Solomon Tuiliaupupu (LB), Bottom: L-R Palaie Gaoteote IV (LB), Vavae Malepeai (Running Back), Lokeni Toailoa (LB), Talanoa Hufanga (Safety) The UCLA Bruins defeated the USC Trojans 34-27 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California. [Photo by Barry Markowitz, 11/17/18] Top: L-R Devin Asiasi (TE), Marlon Tuipolotu (DL), Boss Tagaloa (OL), Atonio Mafi (DL),Toa Lobendahn (Center), Tyler Manoa (DL), Solomon Tuiliaupupu (LB), Bottom: L-R Palaie Gaoteote IV (LB), Vavae Malepeai (Running Back), Lokeni Toailoa (LB), Talanoa Hufanga (Safety)](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ucla_usc_polys_2018web.jpg?itok=8Ti-lJ06)