Makea “Puka” Nacua more popularly known as Puka Nacua is a wide receiver who plays for National Football League (NFL) team the Los Angeles Rams. Puka Nacua played college football for the Washington Huskies and the BYU Cougars. He was drafted in by the Los Angeles Rams in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is the 177th overall pick in the draft.
He is already making the headlines with his stellar performances very early in his career. Nacua made his debut for the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks on September 10, 2023. With 10 catches for 119 yards, he was pretty impressive as the Rams went onto a 30-13 victory. Following this he also set the record for most catches by a rookie as he caught 15 passes for 147 yards.
However while everyone is witnessing his talents now, one person knew his capabilities from a long time ago. Nacua’s father Lionel Nacua was his biggest supporter and played a major role in shaping up his career during his early days. It is extremely unfortunate that he isn’t around now to see his son’s success.
Puka Nacua’s father died back in 2012 due to a diabetic condition
Lionel Nacua played a pivotal role for Puka Nacua’s career in the grassroots level. He was one of his first football coaches and taught him at the early stages. Lionel made Puka disciplined as well as he made his son watch football films instead of cartoon shows. The father-son duo would also sit down to watch football games together.
Lionel Nacua died in 2012 due to illness caused by diabetes when Puka Nacua was just 11 years old. However his sons fulfilled one of his wishes which is to play for the BYU Cougars with all three – Kai Nacua, Samson Nacua and Puka Nacua featuring for the team. Puka still honors his father before every game as he looks skywards in remembrance.
Puka Nacua’s start in the NFL has been one of great success. He has credited the success to Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp who has been a mentor to him. The Rookie mentioned that after a poor practice session, Cooper Kupp instilled belief by reminding him of his quality.
“I think there was a moment during training camp,” Nacua said. “Cooper Kupp, he has been a huge mentor and there was a moment during training camp where I wasn’t having my best practice, but he came over to me, took me to the side, and was just like, ‘Hey Puk, we know what you’re capable of. We’ve seen it all. Go out there and continue to do that.’”
