Ex-Saints Warford, Te’o selected for Polynesian Hall of Fame

Warford and Te’o will join Harry Montague-Field in the 2023 enshrinement, scheduled for the weekend of Jan. 20-21.

“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, we congratulate the Class of 2023,” Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder and Inductee, said in a statement. “These men represent the very best of our Polynesian people and we look forward to celebrating this recognition with them and their families in January!”

Warford, who’s of Samoan ancestry, played seven seasons in the NFL, including his last three years in New Orleans. The offensive guard was selected in the third round out of Kentucky in 2013 by the Detroit Lions and spent his first four seasons there. Warford signed with the Saints prior to the 2017 season and made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in New Orleans. Warford played and started in all 101 the games during his NFL career.

Te’o, who’s of Hawaiian ancestry, played eight seasons in the NFL, three with the Saints. The linebacker was selected in the second round by the Chargers in 2013, and started 34 games out of 38 games with the team. Te’o then went on to play three seasons with Saints and signed with the Chicago Bears in 2020. Te’o totaled 307 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, two interceptions and one forced fumble in his NFL career. In four seasons at Notre Dame, Te’o had 437 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Montague-Field, who’s of Hawaiian ancestry, was the first person of Polynesian ancestry to play in the NFL. Montague-Field played for the Chicago Cardinals for three seasons (1934-36) and spent one season with the AFL’s Los Angeles Bulldogs in 1937. As an offensive tackle, he went on to win All-Pro honors in both leagues in 1936 and 1937.

The trio was selected among eight finalists and more than 100 nominees by the selection committee.