Lions' Warford finalist for Polynesian Football Hall

Allen Park — Detroit Lions guard Larry Warford is one of five finalists for the Polynesian Football Player of the Year, an annual award presented by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

Warford’s mother, Colene, is Samoan.

A third-round pick out of Kentucky in 2013, Warford is set to become a free agent at season’s end.  In his fourth season with the Lions, he has started 14 games.

“He’s been good and steady,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “Playing like a veteran, he’s seen a little bit of everything, so there’s not too many things that get him out of whack. He’s been working extremely hard to maintain his level of play.”

The other finalists for the award are Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Mike Iupati, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton.

Iupati was the award’s inaugural recipient in 2015.   The hall is in the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii.

The winner will be announced Jan. 5.