Road to Progress

First Samoan athlete plays in the NFL

As an offensive lineman for Washington, Al Lolotai is the first Samoan to play in the NFL.

01/01/1945

First Polynesian in the College Football Hall of Fame

“Squirmin” Herman Wedemeyer, a Hawaiian, is inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

01/01/1979

First Polynesian wins Heisman Trophy

Quarterback Marcus Mariota, a Samoan, becomes the first Polynesian to with the Heisman Trophy in 2014.

12/13/2014

1945

1979

2014

RISE Road to Progress

Explore the RISE Road to Progress to see how sports have spurred social change throughout history. Our interactive digital timeline chronicles the intersection of sports and social justice and the important role athletes have played in advancing equity and civil rights throughout history.