Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua immediately became beloved by the “Rams House,” going from fifth-round wide receiver to 105-catch performer for the team in 2023. Along the way, through his NFL fame, Nacua has become beloved by people of his ethnic background, which we’re diving into.
Puka Nacua’s Family and Ethnicity
Following his breakout in 2023, Nacua has begun to intrigue the Polynesian community into helping convince younger generations to try out for wide receiver.
That’s because Nacua is of Samoan and native Hawaiian heritage. He’s also got Portuguese in his bloodlines, too.
Nacua’s not shy about sharing his Samoan side, which he’s done on his personal Instagram page. His mother, Penina, and her family originally hail from Samoa. Nacua’s birth name is Makea, but his name “Puka” means fat and chubby in Samoan. Yet, for the vaunted Rams offense, he’s a chiseled 6’2″, 212-pound option.
Last year, Nacua led the team with 105 receptions, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns — all while helping lift the Rams to a No. 10 ranking in passing yardage. But he witnessed stardom before even playing in L.A.
Nacua earned 2019 Polynesian Bowl honors after catching six catches for 93 yards and snatched a 29-yard touchdown to lead Team Makai to the 27-7 victory. He went on to the University of Washington as the state of Utah’s No. 1 ranked WR for the 2019 class by 247Sports.
The four-star Nacua eventually returned to his home state for the rest of his collegiate career by transferring to BYU for the 2021 season. Now, the NFL world knows him as the top Day 3 draft find of the 2023 class in establishing himself as the leading wideout for an explosive offense.
Nacua isn’t the only football sibling in his family, though.
Nacua’s NFL Brothers
Nacua isn’t the only member of his household on a pro football roster.
Kai Nacua represents the eldest brother of the family lineage and last played with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League. However, the former BYU Cougar has multiple NFL stops on his résumé as well, with the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets.
Samson Nacua is the second-oldest brother. He’s currently an NFL free agent and last suited up for the New Orleans Saints — who waived him on Aug. 27.
Like his brother, Kai, Samson also spent time in the UFL with the Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers, but he originally began his career with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Samson also played for multiple universities, starting out at Utah before transferring to BYU.
Ahead of the 2024 season, Puka Nacua is fueling intrigue for the Rams’ NFC West and Super Bowl title hopes. But also in the process, he’s stepped in as a new representation of Polynesian NFL wideouts.