Polynesian Bowl to be broadcast live

The NFL released a statement along with the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame to announce that the 2023 Polynesian Bowl will get a live, prime time broadcasting slot on the NFL Network.

The game is presented by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 in the Kūnuiākea Stadium on the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in Hawai’i. Kickoff will be at 9 p.m. ET.

San Francisco 49ers four-time Super Bowl Champion Jesse Sapolu, chairman & co-founder of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, said, “This is a significant milestone and recognition for the Polynesian community to have the Polynesian Bowl broadcast live in primetime on NFL Network. We thank Commissioner Goodell and the National Football League owners for their commitment to sharing our culture. It’s Friday night football in Hawai’i!”

Mark Quenzel, NFL Senior Vice President, Head of Content, added, “We are excited to broadcast the Polynesian Bowl exclusively on NFL Network. The impact of the Polynesian community throughout the National Football League is profound and extensive, and we look forward to providing a platform for the next generation of Polynesian talent to showcase their skills and talent.”

Making up less than half of a percent of the US population, Polynesians have long punched above their weight in NFL representation. Currently there are around 70 players of Polynesian heritage on NFL active rosters including DeForest Buckner, Talanoa Hufanga, Marcus Mariota, Jordan Mailata, Jordan Poyer, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Penei Sewell, Ronnie Stanley, Tua Tagovailoa, Vita Vea and Zach Wilson. NFL legends Junior Seau, Kevin Mawae and Troy Polamalu are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.