4X Super Bowl Champion Jesse Sapolu Named 2025 Honorary Parade Grand Marshal
Everybody’s Favorite Home-Spun Great Pumpkin Parade Starts at 12 noon Saturday, October 18
We’re thrilled to welcome 4× Super Bowl Champion Jesse Sapolu as the Grand Marshal of the Great Pumpkin Parade at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival this Saturday at noon!
Jesse Sapolu: From Samoa to NFL Legend
Manase “Jesse” Sapolu was born on March 10, 1961, in Apia, Samoa, and raised in Hawaii, where his journey toward football greatness began.
Early Years & College
Sapolu attended Farrington High School in Honolulu, earning All‑State honors as an offensive lineman. He continued his football career at the University of Hawaiʻi (1979–1982), where he was a four‑year letterman and one of the program’s most decorated linemen. While at Hawaiʻi, Sapolu earned multiple conference honors and was named team MVP in 1982.
Professional Career: The 49ers Dynasty
In the 1983 NFL Draft, Sapolu was selected in the 11th round by the San Francisco 49ers. He played his entire 15-year NFL career (1983‑1997) with the 49ers, operating at both guard and center. Over his career, he played in 182 games, starting 154 of them.
Sapolu was a key pillar of the 49ers’ offensive line during their dominant run in the 1980s and 1990s, helping protect Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young. He earned four Super Bowl championships (XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX) and was honored with Pro Bowl selections in 1993 and 1994, along with All‑Pro honors in 1994 and 1995. His consistent excellence and dedication earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.
Challenges, Heart Condition & Perseverance
Sapolu’s path was not without adversity. He carried a serious heart condition — specifically, an enlarged heart and an issue with his aortic valve — but continued to perform at a high level under medical monitoring, undergoing surgeries during his career while maintaining top performance on the field.
Legacy & Off-Field Impact
After his playing career, Sapolu settled in Southern California and remained active in the football community. He co-founded the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame, honoring the achievements of Polynesian players, coaches, and contributors in football.
Through his organization, Men In The Trenches (MITT), he mentors high school linemen, offering training, guidance, and character-building programs. In 2025, Sapolu was named an inductee into the California Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his lasting influence and legacy in the world of sports.
Jesse Sapolu’s journey from Samoa to NFL legend is a story of talent, perseverance, and leadership, inspiring athletes and communities both on and off the field.
Join us Saturday at 12 PM in downtown Half Moon Bay for the Great Pumpkin Parade, featuring the world-famous weigh-off champion pumpkin, marching bands, floats, and festive fun for the whole family.
Come celebrate community, tradition, and a Bay Area sports icon — Jesse Sapolu.
