Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom during a breakout first season in the NFL. The fifth-round rookie out of BYU came out of the gates hot, leading the team with 105 catches and 1,486 yards.
His production may have the potential to slow down some with Cooper Kupp healthier, but Nacua remains an integral part of the Rams’ 2024 NFC West division and Super Bowl title hopes.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old looks poised to enjoy a career replete with accolades. He’s already amassed considerable popularity for his stellar play and childlike enthusiastic approach.
There’s no doubt Nacua’s family is endlessly proud of the way he burst onto the scene in 2023, and it’s time to find out who helped raise last season’s breakout wide receiver.
Who Are Puka Nacua’s Parents?
Nacua was born to Penina and Lionel Nacua in Provo, Utah, in May 2001.
Unfortunately, Nacua experienced familial tragedy early in life. He lost his father, Lionel, to diabetes when he was just 10 years old. But Lionel’s love of football and his son were hugely impactful during Nacua’s formative years.
During an interview with the New York Post last October, Nacua’s mother, Penina, recalled the bond her late husband shared with her son — and just how football-centric it often was.
“There were times when I’d come to the truck, and I remember Puka sitting in the passenger seat and he’s got his iPad, and his dad would make him watch film,” Penina said. And he’s watching old players from way back during our time in the ’80s and ’90s.
“Puka would have to sit there, and he’d be watching film as my husband was taking him to a game. And they were my husband’s favorite players.”
Some of the names noted among Nacua’s frequently viewed highlight reels include Lawrence Taylor and Troy Polamalu, two of their respective generation’s most imposing defenders. That helps to explain why, despite playing a glamourous position like wide receiver, Nacua has thrived on a physical, hard-nosed playing style.
It also doesn’t hurt that Nacua is the second-youngest of five brothers. Well, it likely hurt plenty, which definitely helped hone Nacua’s toughness.
“My husband loved defense; he loved having his boys hitting each other,” Penina added. “He would have everybody suiting up and putting on the shoulder pads, and he’d make them go head-on, one-on-one. Whoever was the youngest was getting mauled, and that was Puka.”
Nacua’s Mother Provided Inspiration to Rams WR
Penina was tasked with raising half a dozen children, five boys and one girl, as a single mother after her husband’s untimely death. But she made it a point of emphasis to impart important life lessons to her children as they grew older.
“I never let my kids ever think that they were bigger and better than everyone else,” Penina said. “I always remind my kids to not let their dad’s death go in vain because he worked so hard for you guys, to remember that in all that they are doing and pursuing.”
There’s no doubt that Penina and all of the Nacua siblings are extremely proud of the success Puka has enjoyed in his still-burgeoning pro career, just as there’s no doubt his father would be thrilled to see his son thriving on the gridiron today.
“We literally jumped off the couch, we were screaming, and we were just crying because watching Puka on TV and seeing him in his element and scoring that last touchdown to win the game, that was just the sweetest moment to see,” Penina said.
‘And we all felt like it was coming. Like, we were all calling it already. I swear, the angels were there helping, making sure he got in that end zone, and he got it done.”
Nacua is returning to a Rams team with re-heightened expectations for the upcoming season. After enduring a lowly and injury-riddled 5-12 campaign in 2022, the Rams immediately returned to the playoffs with a relatively young roster at 10-7 last season. They fell to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round of the postseason.
Now, the Rams are anticipated to challenge again for a playoff spot and contend for the NFC West crown — all while Nacua aims to build on his impressive first season.
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!