Makea “Puka” Nacua, better known as Puka Nacua, is a wide receiver with the Los Angeles Rams, a team that competes in the National Football League (NFL). Both the Washington Huskies and the BYU Cougars fielded collegiate football teams that featured Puka Nacua. During the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected him in the fifth round as part of their team. In the draft, he was taken with the 177th overall pick.
Even though he is still very early in his career, he is already creating headlines with his outstanding performances. On September 10, 2023, Nacua made his first appearance with the Los Angeles Rams in a game that was played against the Seattle Seahawks. He had a really impressive game, finishing with 10 receptions for 119 yards and helping the Rams to a victory of 30-13. After this, he went on to break another record when he caught 15 passes for 147 yards, making him the rookie with the most receptions ever.
One person, however, was aware of his potential a very long time ago, despite the fact that everyone else is just now beginning to witness his ability. Lionel Nacua, Nacua’s father, was his most ardent supporter and was instrumental in helping his son establish a foundation for a successful career in the early stages of his life. It is a terrible shame that he is not here to witness his son’s achievements at this point in time.
Diabetes ultimately proved to be the cause of death for Puka Nacua’s father, who passed away in 2012.
Puka Nacua’s career in the lower levels of competition was greatly aided by Lionel Nacua’s contributions. In the beginning phases of his football career, he was one of his first coaches and he instructed him. Lionel was very strict with his son, and he forced his son watch football movies rather than cartoons. This helped Puka become more disciplined. Additionally, the father and kid would spend time together watching football games on television.
Puka Nacua was just 11 years old when his father, Lionel Nacua, passed away in 2012 from complications related to diabetes. However, he was able to see one of his dreams come true when his three kids — Kai Nacua, Samson Nacua, and Puka Nacua — all played for the BYU Cougars. This was one of their father’s greatest hopes. Puka continues to show respect for his deceased father before each game by looking upwards in remembrance of him.
The beginning of Puka Nacua’s career in the NFL has been marked by a great deal of success. He attributes his success to Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has served as a guide for him over the course of his career. The Rookie claimed that after a rough practice session, Cooper Kupp encouraged him by reassuring him of his quality. This occurred after the Rookie had performed poorly.
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Nacua added, “I think there was a moment during training camp,” and he was referring to a specific incident. “Cooper Kupp, he has been a huge mentor for me, and there was a time during training camp when I wasn’t having my best practice, but he came over to me, got me to the side, and was just like, ‘Hey Puk, we know what you’re capable of.'” “Cooper Kupp, he has been a huge mentor for me, and there was a time during training camp when I wasn’t having my best practice. Everything is now old hat to us. Go out there and keep doing it,'” she told him.