What Happened To Puka Nacua Dad? Who Was Puka Nacua Father? How Did Puka Nacua Father Die?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Sep 27, 2023
What Happened to Puka Nacua Dad?
Puka Nacua's journey in football is closely tied to his dad, Lionel Nacua. His father encouraged Puka to study football games instead of watching cartoons when he was young. Sadly, in 2012, Lionel passed away because of diabetes when he was just 45 years old. This was a great loss for Puka, and his dad didn't get to see his achievements in college or the NFL.
Puka and his brothers honored their father's wish by playing for the BYU Cougars, his dad's favorite team. Puka's older brother, Samson Nacua, also joined the Cougars in 2021, the same year Puka joined the team. Even their oldest brother, Kai, played as a defensive back for the university.
Before each game, Puka takes a moment to remember his late father, and it's clear that his dad's love for football lives on in him. Despite this loss, Puka's football journey continues, and he's making his dad proud with his accomplishments in the NFL.
Who Was Puka Nacua Father?
Puka Nacua's father was a significant figure in his life. His dad's name was Lionel Nacua, and he had six children, including Puka, with his wife Penina. Lionel Nacua played a vital role in Puka's early football journey. He wasn't just a father but also one of Puka's first football coaches when he was a kid.
Lionel encouraged Puka to watch football films instead of cartoons, and they used to watch college football games together on TV, which brought them closer through their shared love for the sport.
Lionel Nacua wasn't just a dad; he was also a coach to Puka and his brothers, and he shared their passion for Brigham Young University (BYU) football. He had hopes that his sons would one day become proud BYU Cougars.
Lionel Nacua passed away unexpectedly in 2012 due to diabetes-related complications when he was just 45 years old. Despite this loss, Puka's brothers, Kai and Isaiah, honored their father's wishes by committing to BYU after he had passed away.
Puka Nacua's father, Lionel, played a crucial role in shaping his early football life and instilling a love for the game that would stay with him throughout his career.
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Who is Puka Nacua?
Puka Nacua is a wide receiver in the NFL, currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He began his college football journey at the University of Washington and later transferred to BYU. Hailing from Provo, Utah, and of Samoan heritage, he achieved recognition as the Utah Gatorade Player of the Year in high school, setting state records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
During his college career, Nacua showcased his skills, catching numerous passes and earning a spot on the First-Team All-Independent Team during his senior season at BYU. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the sixth round, and he's wasted no time making an impact with 25 catches for 266 yards in his first two games of the season.
Name
Puka Nacua
Full Name
Makea "Puka" Nacua
Birth Date
May 29, 2001
Birth Place
Provo, Utah, U.S.
Height
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight
205 lb (93 kg)
Position
Wide receiver
Puka Nacua Age
Puka Nacua was born on May 29, 2001, so he is currently 22 years old. He is a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Puka Nacua is a young and promising player in the NFL. He is a big and strong receiver with good speed and hands. He is also a tough runner after the catch.
Nacua is still developing, but he has the potential to be a star in the NFL. He is already making an impact on the Rams' offense, and he is only going to get better with experience.
Puka Nacua Nationality
Puka Nacua is an American citizen, but he is also of Samoan descent. His mother's family is from West Samoa, and he is proud of his Samoan heritage. Nacua was born and raised in Provo, Utah, and he played college football at Washington and BYU. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nacua is a talented wide receiver with good size, speed, and hands. He is also a tough runner after the catch. He is still developing, but he has the potential to be a star in the NFL.
Is Puka Nacua Married?
No, Puka Nacua is not married. He is currently in a relationship with Hallie Aiono, who is the sister of the well-known YouTube sensation and artist, Alex Aiono. Nacua is still young, and he is focused on his career. He has said that he is not in a hurry to get married, but he is open to the idea in the future.
Puka Nacua Career
Puka Nacua is an American football wide receiver who has shown great promise in his young career. As a high school player, Nacua was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays.
In his senior year, Nacua had a remarkable season, recording 103 receptions for 2,336 yards and 26 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him several accolades, including being named the Utah Gatorade State Player of the Year and the MaxPreps National Football Player of the Year.
After graduating from high school, Nacua received numerous scholarship offers from top college football programs across the country. Ultimately, he decided to commit to the University of Washington and joined the Washington Huskies football team.
In his freshman season at Washington, Nacua showcased his skills and made an immediate impact. Despite battling injuries during the season, he managed to finish with 23 receptions for 415 yards and two touchdowns. His performances earned him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
Nacua's sophomore season was unfortunately cut short due to an injury, limiting his playing time. However, he returned stronger in his junior year and became one of the key targets for the Huskies' offense. He finished the season with 43 receptions for 742 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to consistently contribute to the team's success.
How Did Puka Nacua Father Die?
Puka Nacua's father, Lionel Nacua, tragically passed away at the age of 45 due to complications from diabetes in 2012. This loss came after Lionel had inspired Puka's football journey by encouraging him to study football film and share a deep passion for the sport. Although Lionel never witnessed his son's success in college and the NFL, his legacy lives on as Puka and his brothers honored their father's wish to play for their dad's beloved team, the BYU Cougars.
What Happened To Puka Nacua Dad - FAQs
Puka Nacua's father, Lionel Nacua, passed away due to complications from diabetes in 2012.
Lionel's passing was a significant loss for Puka, but it also served as a source of inspiration for his football career.
Lionel encouraged Puka to study football film instead of watching cartoons, instilling a passion for the sport.
Puka and his brothers honored their father by playing for their dad's favorite team, the BYU Cougars.