NFL Hawaii Tracker: DeForest Buckner leads Indianapolis Colts to win

Punahou alumnus DeForest Buckner shines for the Indianapolis Colts with four tackles, a sack, and two pass deflections in a win.

Punahou alumnus and Waianae native DeForest Buckner continues to shine for the Indianapolis Colts, despite the team's recent struggles in making the playoffs. In their recent victory over the Carolina Panthers, Buckner led the way for the Colts' formidable defense, making an impact with four tackles, including two for loss and a sack, as well as two pass deflections.

Since acquiring Buckner in 2020, the Colts have only played in one playoff game, which resulted in a wild card loss to the Buffalo Bills in 2021. However, with a current record of 4-5, Indianapolis is still in contention for a wild card spot as the regular season reaches its halfway point.

Let's take a look at how other players with Hawaii connections performed in Week 9 of the NFL season:

- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens (from Keaau), was inactive for their 37-3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
- Ka'imi Fairbairn, kicker for the Houston Texans (from Punahou), successfully made a 50-yard field goal and an extra point before leaving the game at halftime due to a quad injury in their 39-37 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Breiden Fehoko, defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers (from Farrington), was inactive for their 20-16 win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.
- Alohi Gilman, safety for the Los Angeles Chargers (from Kahuku), will be playing against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
- Kamu Grugier-Hill, linebacker for the Carolina Panthers (from Kamehameha), made a tackle in their 27-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
- Nate Herbig, guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers (from Saint Louis), played a reserve role in their win over the Titans.
- Nick Herbig, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers (from Saint Louis), was active but did not record any statistics in their victory over the Titans.
- Andrei Iosivas, receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals (from Punahou), had one catch for nine yards in their 24-18 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
- Keith Kirkwood, receiver for the New Orleans Saints (from the University of Hawaii), was inactive for their 24-17 win against the Chicago Bears.
- Marcus Mariota, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles (from Saint Louis), was active but did not play in their 28-23 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
- Kana'i Mauga, linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders (from Waianae), was placed on injured reserve prior to their 30-6 win over the New York Giants.
- Rigoberto Sanchez, punter for the Indianapolis Colts (from the University of Hawaii), had five punts totaling 241 yards in their win over the Panthers.
- Isaac Seumalo, offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers (born in Hawaii), started at left guard in their victory against the Titans.
- Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins (from Saint Louis), completed 21 of 34 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown in their 21-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins trailed 21-0 at halftime.
- Jahlani Tavai, linebacker for the New England Patriots (from the University of Hawaii), recorded six tackles, including two solo tackles, in their 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Overall, these players from Hawaii continue to make their mark in the NFL, showcasing their talent and contributing to their respective teams.