POLYNESIA'S SUPER BOWL CONNECTION

Former Utah Ute and Kahuku Alumnus Chris Kemoeatu is getting a lot of praise for his outstanding play on an offensive line that boasts several big name players. The Salt Lake Tribune, the Honolulu Advertiser and numerous other media outlets are showing their approval for the fourth year man. This will be Kemoeatu's second visit to the Super Bowl but this will be the first time he comes into the game as a player - a starter no less after stepping in this year to fill in the huge void left by pro-bowler Alan Faneca whom the Steelers lost to the free agent market. Like his brother Ma'ake, Chris Kemoeatu is quickly becoming a household name.

Fellow-polynesian Steeler Troy Polamalu is getting a lot of media love too, particularly for his wild hair and purported eccentricities as reported by media outlets like the NY Times' blog FifthDown.

But come Sunday, Polamalu's trademark locks will be the best way to follow the former USC Trojan on your television screen. Based on his pro-bowl-esque contributions to the game since his emergence in the NFL six seasons ago, he will be here, then there and here again giving running backs and receivers a taste of that good 'ol Polynesian beat-down and serving up heartburn to Arizona's offensive coaches. Its always a treat to watch Troy play and this Sunday, he will be at his best.

Arizona's bringing its own Polynesian contingent to the Super Bowl this year. Polamalu's teammate, Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui is a one-man wrecking machine for the Cardinals who donned the 'sweathearts' tag this season and stamped their dominance with a potent offense that ended the year with a 9-7 record and a convincing performance over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Title game.

Many may have forgotten the name Aaron Francisco since his collegiate days at BYU but anyone who is a fan of the Cards are all too familiar with Francisco's contributions to the once untested Arizona defensive unit. Joining Francisco on the Arizona defensive team is Idaho State's Pago Togafau who has made quite a statement in the Cards' linebacking corps.


Other's in the Super Bowl picture with ties to the islands: Arizona Defensive Lineman Travis LaBoy who played collegiately at the University of Hawaii. This is LaBoy's first season with the Cardinals after playing four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.