Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was named the 2020 Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year by the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The award recognizes the most “outstanding professional football player of Polynesian Ancestry.” Recent recipients include Seahawks guard Mike Iupati (2015), Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (2016), Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (2017, 2018) and Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (2019).
Buckner, who is of Samoan descent, felt that this award meant the most to him this season even with all of the accolades he received in a phenomenal campaign.
“Of all the accolades I’ve received, this one means the most to me.” @DeForestBuckner | @PolynesianFBHOF pic.twitter.com/4jZZhsx5p7
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 21, 2021
Buckner was an incredible force on the defensive line for the Colts. He was everything they could have hoped for and more when it comes to the return on investment. Spending a first-round pick and immediately signing him to a four-year extension made som analysts scratch their heads, but now it looks like a bargain.
Though he was snubbed from a Pro Bowl selection, Buckner was named a First-Team All-Pro and to the PFWA’s All-NFL team for the 2020 season.
Buckner set a franchise record for most sacks in a season by defensive tackle with 9.5 while also leading the defense in pressures (53) and quarterback hits (27).
The Colts still have some holes on the defense to fill, but Buckner’s presence allows them to have much more success thanks to his world-breaking talent.