NEW ORLEANS — You may have seen the video by now.
After earning a crucial division win over the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 28, Rams receiver Puka Nacua turned his attention to a different game happening across the country.
“What’s the score for the BYU game?” Nacua anxiously asked, referring to the Cougars’ Alamo Bowl matchup with star-studded Colorado.
Cardinals defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, a BYU product himself, informed him that he had heard the Cougars were winning big, inciting a joyous reaction from Nacua that was captured on video for the world to see.
Even after six weeks, Nacua remains stoked about BYU’s 36-14 beatdown of the Buffaloes.
“Colorado ... was my favorite win of the season,” Nacua told the Deseret News between various appearances for Toyota on Radio Row at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. “I think it felt like everybody wasn’t paying attention to the Cougars (prior to facing Colorado), so I know that was exciting for all the boys (to surprise everyone) and get a good win out there.”
Nacua, one of the NFL’s most recognizable young stars, remains highly invested in the success of his alma mater.
His younger brother, Tei, currently plays receiver at BYU, continuing the family football tradition in Provo that also included older brothers Isaiah, Kai and Samson.
“I’m tuning into every game,” Nacua said. “I love seeing them move at a such a good pace. I love watching Kalani (Sitake) and how he’s able to lead these guys the right way.
“It was super fun to see everybody bounce back from (a 5-7 finish in 2023) and continue to progress at a great level,” Nacua continued regarding BYU. “I think it’s super exciting.”
Despite missing six games due to injury, Nacua still caught 79 passes for 990 yards and three touchdowns this past season as an NFL sophomore.
He was the leading postseason receiver for Los Angeles, racking up 141 yards in a pair of contests before eventually falling to the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round.
Nacua is already the second all-time leading NFL receiver among former Cougars after just two years as a professional, trailing only the late Todd Christensen. He’s become a household name and is arguably the face of the Rams franchise.
However, he’s not ready to call himself the face of BYU alumni in the NFL — yet. For now, he’s just happy to show off his BYU pride any way he can.
“I think there’s some other guys who still hold that spot, but I’m trying to earn it,” Nacua said. “I’m trying to make sure I can represent the Cougs right, and it’s been the best.
“It’s been so interesting to be out in Southern California and to have people come up and say, ‘I went to BYU, I live out here now, I’m such a big fan,” Nacua continued. “To see that recognition that the Y has everywhere has been such a blessing. It’s brought me so many connections.”
