Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua had one of the most electrifying rookie seasons in NFL history in 2023. However, when news reached UFC President and CEO Dana White, the front-facing executive was hardly shocked.
White knew Nacua was meant to reach great heights because the two men share an uncle-to-nephew-type of relationship stemming from years and years of knowing each other. Nacua played youth football with White’s son while growing up in Las Vegas.
Puka Nacua, Dana White Share Strong Bond From Youth Football Days in Las Vegas
Before moving to Utah, Nacua used to live in Las Vegas where he played youth football with White’s son, Dana Jr. The two struck up an instant friendship, and Nacua often referred to his dad as “Uncle Dana” due to his comfort level with the White family.
“My kids grow up with Puka. He grew up in our house,” White told Julian Edelman on his show “Games With Names” podcast. “Me and Lorenzo [Fertitta] used to fund a team called the ‘Little Cowboys’ and he was on the ‘Little Cowboys’ with my kids and a bunch of other guys that are playing right now.
“There’s a few kids that went to the NFL from that team and good colleges, too. To see Puka doing what he’s doing now, it could not happen to a better human being. When you meet this kid, you will love this kid. He’s such a good kid.”
VERY COOL: #Rams star WR Puka Nacua grew up together with Dana White’s kids.
“My kids grow up with Puka. He grew up in our house.”
“To see Puka doing what he's doing now, it couldn't happen to a better human when you meet this kid, you will love him” pic.twitter.com/znlvuB2gcs
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 2, 2025
Rams Rookie Shattered Single-Season Records in 2023
Nacua went on to set new NFL records for having the most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in a single season back in 2023. He also hauled in six touchdowns while averaging 14.2 yards per catch in his lone Pro Bowl year.
White was quick to congratulate Nacua on social media when he first broke the rookie receptions record on January 7, 2024. He wrote: Congrats @AsapPuka for breaking the all-time rookie record for receptions and receiving yards! It could not happen to a better human. We are all so happy for you and PROUD of you!!!!!”
Congrats @AsapPuka for breaking the all-time rookie record for receptions and receiving yards! It could not happen to a better human. We are all so happy for you and PROUD of you!!!!! https://t.co/mwsj7kgGgk
— danawhite (@danawhite) January 8, 2024
The 23-year-old struggled with a lingering knee injury in 2024 — first sustained in training camp, then re-aggravated in Week 1 — that sidelined him for six games. He still finished the 2024 season with 79 catches for 990 yards and three touchdowns, adding 11 receptions for 141 yards in two playoff games.
The bond between Nacua and White is a strong one, proven by the time Nacua FaceTimed White when he was asked to dial the most famous person in his contact list. White has always lauded the receiver for coming this far in the NFL.