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Before he became a well-known television sports and news anchor for an NBC-TV affiliate in Philadelphia, Vai Sikahema was an outstanding running back and kick returner at BYU and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL with the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
On Wednesday, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced that Sikahema will be a member of the hall's 2016 class, along with fellow players Charlie Ane Jr., Rockne Freitas and Troy Polamalu and contributor Albert "Al" Lolotai, who played for Weber Junior College in Ogden before it became Weber State University.
Sikahema, the first Tongan to play in the NFL after he was drafted by the Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) in the 10th round in the 1986 draft, played professionally for eight seasons.
Sikahema, who was born in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, played for BYU from 1980-81 and from 1983-85. He was a member of BYU's 1984 national championship team.
Former BYU coach LaVell Edwards and former Utah and Weber State coach Ron McBride are on the hall's selection committee along with past NFL head coaches Dick Tomey and Dick Vermeil.
The 2016 class will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, Jan. 29-30, 2016, in Oahu, Hawaii.
Former BYU linebacker Kurt Gouveia was a member of the inaugural class (2014), while former University of Utah lineman Luther Ellis was inducted in 2015.