Yesterday, offensive lineman Kevin Mawae became the second Polynesian and first Native Hawaiian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, reports Hawaii News Now.
Mawai has been the New York Jets’ center for eight seasons and “one of the best, most consistent players ever to wear their green-and-white uniform,” according to the New York Post.
The NFL website streamed Mawae’s emotional speech, where he discussed his career and thanked his parents, who he named as his greatest role models.
“What other mom plays tackle football with her sons?” he commented.
Mawae, of Hawaiian descent, was raised in Louisiana while his father grew up on Kauai.
“It’s who I am,” said Mawae. “It’s who my dad brought me up to be, the first Kanaka Maoli to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I’m proud of my heritage.”
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!! @nyjets @ProFootballHOF #pfhof19 pic.twitter.com/vF7ol8Zbkq
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) August 2, 2019
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