Puka Nacua Ethnicity: Born in Provo, Utah, on May 29, 2001, Puka Nacua has mixed usage and filial lines of Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese descent.
Though born and raised in the United States, the Samoan bloodline in him has emanated from his mother’s ancestry. His grandmother on his mother’s side immigrated from Motor Island in Western Samoa to the U.S. in 1968, taking her legacy with her.
Nacua celebrates his Polynesian heritage proudly-a lot of his posts on social media depict his rich cultural heritage. This fine mix gives him a character that is invincible, on and off the football field.
Puka Nacua Bio/Wiki
| Full name | Makea “Puka” Nacua |
| Nickname | Puka |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 29 May 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Current residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Who Is Puka Nacua?
Puka Nacua is a professional NFL wide receiver currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Born on May 29, 2001, in Provo, Utah, he quickly rose to fame for his record-breaking rookie season, setting the NFL record for most receptions and receiving yards by a rookie.
Known for his strong work ethic and playmaking ability, Nacua has become a key player for the Rams, earning respect as one of the league’s rising stars.
Beyond football, Nacua comes from a rich cultural background, being of Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese descent.
His Samoan heritage, passed down from his mother’s side, is something he proudly embraces. Raised in a football-loving family, three of his brothers also played professionally.
His journey from college football at Washington and BYU to making history in the NFL has inspired many young athletes, especially those from Polynesian backgrounds.
Puka Nacua Early Life
Puka Nacua was born on May 29, 2001, in Provo, Utah, and grew up in a football-driven family. He is the fifth of six children and was raised alongside his four brothers and one sister.
His father, Lionel Nacua, passed away in 2012 due to complications from diabetes, a loss that deeply impacted Puka and his family.
Nacua attended Orem High School in Utah, where he quickly became a star on the field. As a wide receiver, he set multiple state records and was recognized as one of the top high school recruits in the country.
His talent earned him a spot at the University of Washington, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU) to continue his collegiate career.
His early years were marked by perseverance, a deep connection to his Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage, and a relentless drive to succeed in football.
Puka Nacua Ethnicity
Puka Nacua comes from a rich and diverse ethnic background, reflecting his Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese ancestry.
His Samoan heritage comes from his mother’s side, as her family originally hails from West Samoa. His maternal grandmother immigrated to the United States in 1968, bringing with her the culture and traditions that Nacua proudly embraces today.
Though born and raised in the United States, Nacua has always celebrated his Polynesian roots. His nickname, “Puka,” comes from the Samoan word for chubby, given to him as a baby.
Puka Nacua Education
Puka Nacua attended Orem High School in Utah, where he quickly established himself as one of the top high school football players in the state.
As a standout wide receiver, he broke multiple state records, including career receiving yards and touchdowns. His impressive performances earned him recognition as a four-star recruit and offers from several top college football programs.
After graduating, Nacua began his college football career at the University of Washington in 2019. He played two seasons with the Huskies before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2021 to be closer to family.
At BYU, he became a key player, showcasing his elite skills as a wide receiver and solidifying his path to the NFL. His time in college not only prepared him athletically but also strengthened his discipline and dedication to the sport.
Puka Nacua Amazing Career
Puka Nacua’s football journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After excelling at Orem High School, where he set multiple state records, he began his college career at the University of Washington before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2021.
At BYU, he became a dominant wide receiver, showcasing his elite route-running, hands, and athleticism. His standout performances caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, Nacua shattered expectations, setting NFL records for most receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. His ability to make clutch plays and his chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford quickly made him a key player for the Rams.
With his Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage fueling his passion and drive, Nacua continues to rise as one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Puka Nacua Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Height in feet | 6’2″ |
| Weight in kilograms | 96 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
Puka Nacua Parents/Siblings
Puka Nacua was born to Penina and Lionel Nacua, who played a significant role in shaping his football journey. His mother, Penina, is of Samoan descent, and her family immigrated from West Samoa to the U.S. in 1968.
His father, Lionel Nacua, was a strong influence in his life before tragically passing away in 2012 due to complications from diabetes when Puka was just 10 years old. Despite this loss, his family remained close-knit, supporting one another in their athletic and personal pursuits.
Puka is one of six siblings, growing up with four brothers—Kai, Isaiah, Samson, and Tei—and a sister, Chanel Nacua. His family has deep football roots, as three of his brothers, Kai, Samson, and Tei, have played football at the collegiate and professional levels.
Being surrounded by a competitive and football-loving family helped shape Puka into the player he is today. His strong bond with his family, along with his Polynesian heritage, continues to inspire his journey in the NFL.
Puka Nacua Wife/Girlfriend and Relationship status
As of now, Puka Nacua has not publicly shared details about his relationship status. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver keeps his personal life private, focusing primarily on his football career.
Despite his rising fame in the NFL, there have been no confirmed reports of him being in a relationship, married, or having a girlfriend.
His social media presence mainly highlights his football journey, family, and cultural heritage, with little to no hints about his romantic life.
Given his breakout success in the NFL, Nacua appears to be fully dedicated to his career and personal growth. Fans remain curious about his dating life, but for now, he seems to be keeping that aspect of his life away from the public eye.
Puka Nacua Net Worth
As of 2025, Puka Nacua, the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. This valuation primarily stems from his rookie contract and burgeoning career in the NFL.
In June 2023, Nacua signed a four-year contract with the Rams worth $4,084,977, which included a signing bonus of $244,980 and the same amount guaranteed.
For the current season, his base salary is $915,000, with a cap hit of $976,245. These figures reflect his status as a valuable asset to the team, especially considering his impressive performance during his rookie season.
While his on-field earnings constitute the majority of his net worth, Nacua’s rising prominence suggests potential for future endorsements and business ventures, which could significantly enhance his financial standing in the coming years.
Puka Nacua Plan and Goals
As one of the NFL’s rising stars, Puka Nacua is focused on building a long and successful career in professional football.
After a record-breaking rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams, his primary goal is to continue improving as a wide receiver, refining his skills, and becoming a key offensive weapon for the team.
He aims to help the Rams compete for championships while solidifying his place as one of the league’s top playmakers. His dedication to training, teamwork, and performance sets him up for a bright future in the NFL.
Beyond football, Nacua is also passionate about his family and cultural heritage. He has expressed pride in his Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese roots, often sharing aspects of his identity on social media.
Looking ahead, he may explore opportunities in mentorship, community outreach, and brand endorsements, using his platform to inspire young athletes, especially those from Polynesian backgrounds.
Puka Nacua on Social Media
| Platform | Followers (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 367K | |
| Twitter (X) | 56.9K |
| 11K | |
| TikTok | 72.3K |
Fun Facts about Puka Nacua Ethnicity
His Real Name –
Puka’s full name is Makea Puka Nacua, but he is widely known by his nickname, “Puka.”
The Meaning of “Puka” –
His nickname comes from the Samoan word for chubby, which his mother gave him as a baby due to his size.
Football Runs in the Family –
Three of his brothers, Kai, Samson, and Tei Nacua, also played college and professional football.
Record-Breaking Rookie –
In his first NFL season with the Los Angeles Rams, Nacua set records for the most receptions and receiving yards by a rookie.
Multi-Ethnic Heritage –
He is of Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese descent and takes pride in his Polynesian roots.
College Journey –
Puka started his college football career at the University of Washington before transferring to BYU (Brigham Young University).
High School Star –
While playing for Orem High School in Utah, he broke multiple state records for receiving yards and touchdowns.
Honoring His Late Father –
Puka lost his father, Lionel Nacua, in 2012 due to complications from diabetes, just two weeks before his 11th birthday.
Passionate About His Culture –
He often showcases his Samoan and Polynesian heritage through social media and celebrations on the field.
NFL Draft Underdog –
Despite being a late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions about Puka Nacua Ethnicity
What is Puka Nacua’s real name?
His full name is Makea Puka Nacua, but he is widely known by his nickname, “Puka.”
What is Puka Nacua’s ethnicity?
He is of Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese descent, with strong Polynesian roots from his mother’s side.
Where did Puka Nacua play college football?
He started his college career at the University of Washington before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2021.
When was Puka Nacua born?
He was born on May 29, 2001, in Provo, Utah.
What records did Puka Nacua break in his rookie NFL season?
He set the NFL rookie records for most receptions and receiving yards in a single season while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
Does Puka Nacua come from a football family?
Yes! Three of his brothers—Kai, Samson, and Tei Nacua—also played college and professional football.
What does “Puka” mean?
“Puka” is a Samoan word for chubby, a nickname his mother gave him when he was a baby due to his size.
Conclusion of Puka Nacua Ethnicity
Puka Nacua has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the NFL, proving himself as a record-breaking wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. His journey from Orem High School to BYU and into professional football highlights his dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.
Beyond his on-field success, Nacua takes great pride in his Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage, embracing his cultural roots.
With his strong work ethic, supportive family, and undeniable talent, his future in the NFL looks incredibly promising. Fans can expect even greater achievements from Puka as he continues to make his mark.