Two Sun Devils included in finalists for Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

Arizona State football has a long list of distinguished graduates that have gone on to have great professional careers.

Included on this list are ASU alums Dan Saleaumua and David Dixon, who’ve been selected as two of the 12 finalists on the ballot for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019.

Saleaumua spent 12 seasons in the NFL as one of the league’s fiercest defensive tackles. The one-time pro bowler spent the majority of his time as a Kansas City Chief, but began his career with two years in Detroit and ended it with two seasons in Seattle.

He finished his NFL career with 580 total tackles, 35.5 total sacks and 18 fumble recoveries. During his days as a Sun Devil, Saleaumua was a two-time Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection and was an honorable mention for the 1985 College Football All-America team that also featured running back Bo Jackson.

Dixon played 11 seasons at right guard in the NFL. He spent the entirety of his career with the Minnesota Vikings and was responsible for protecting legendary quarterbacks such as Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham and Daunte Culpepper.

During his playing career, Dixon appeared in 134 games as a starter and reached the playoffs in six separate seasons. Dixon, who spent two seasons as a Sun Devil, was only the second player of Maori descent to play professional football in the United States.

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame will host an Enshrinement Weekend from Jan. 18-19 which coincides with the 2019 Polynesian Bowl. There’s a solid chance that at least one Sun Devil will make the final cut.