The opening week of the NFL regular season brought a match-up between two players from Hawaii.
Punahou’s Deforest Buckner helped the Colts crush the Dolphins 33-8, while Ewa Beach’s Tua Tagovailoa had a rough game at quarterback.
Buckner made three assisted tackles and showed why he’s one of the league’s top defensive players.
Tagovailoa finished 14-of-23 passing for 114 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Even though it wasn’t his best game, he’ll try to bounce back in next week’s matchup.
For Hawaii fans, it was a mixed result; Buckner celebrated a big win, while Tagovailoa looks ahead to improving.
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Below are how other players with Hawaii ties performed during Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season:
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, Miami Dolphins (Saint Louis)
Went 14-of-23 passing for 114 yards, 33-8 def. by the Colts.
Jonah Savaiinaea, offensive lineman, Miami Dolphins (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in Dolphins 33-8 loss to the Colts.
Andrei Iosivas, receiver, Cincinnati Bengals (Punahou)
Did not record any statistics in Bengals 17-16 win over the Browns.
Dillon Gabriel, quarterback, Cleveland Browns (Mililani)
Did not record any statistics in Browns 17-16 loss to the Bengals.
Nick Herbig, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in Steelers 34-32 win over the Jets.
- Status: INACTIVE
- Hamstring injury: Herbig is inactive for Sunday’s matchup against Seattle, Teresa Varley, Steelers’ official, reports.
Roman Wilson, receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in the Steelers’ 34-32 win over the Jets.
Isaac Seumalo, offensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers (born in Hawaii)
Did not record any statistics in Steelers 34-32 win over the Jets.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, kicker, Houston Texans (Punahou)
Texans placekicker went 3-for-3 on field goals in Houston’s 14-9 loss to the Rams. Fairbairn’s successful field goals averaged from 50 yards.
DeForest Buckner, defensive tackle, Indianapolis Colts (Punahou)
Had three assisted tackles in Colts 33-8 win over the Dolphins.
Rigoberto Sanchez, punter, Indianapolis Colts (University of Hawaii)
Did not record any statistics in Steelers 33-8 win over the Dolphins.
Jonah Laulu, defensive lineman, Las Vegas Raiders (University of Hawaii)
Recorded two tackles, including a sack in Raiders 20-13 win over the Patriots.
Alohi Gilman, safety, Los Angeles Chargers (Kahuku)
Recorded nine tackles, including four solo tackles (Tied-7th) and five assists in Chargers 27-21 win over the Chiefs.
Marist Liufau, linebacker, Dallas Cowboys (Punahou)
Recorded three solo tackles (Tied-15th) in Cowboys 20-24 loss to the Eagles.
Darius Muasau, linebacker, New York Giants (Mililani and University of Hawaii)
Recorded two tackles, including a solo tackle in Giants 21-6 loss to the Commanders.
Marcus Mariota, quarterback, Washington Commanders (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in Commanders 21-6 win over Giants.
Tetairoa McMillan, wide receiver, Carolina Panthers (Waimanalo, HI)
Recorded five receptions for a total of 68 receiving yards in 26-10 loss to the Jaguars.
Practice squad
Luke Felix-Fualalo, offensive lineman, Philadelphia Eagles (University of Hawaii)
Kohl Levao, offensive lineman, New York Jets (University of Hawaii)
Treven Ma’ae, defensive lineman, Las Vegas Raiders (Kapolei)
Netane Muti, guard, Detroit Lions (Leilehua)
Keith Kirkwood, receiver, Baltimore Ravens (University of Hawaii)
Injured reserve
Jahlani Tavai, linebacker, New England Patriots (University of Hawaii)