What happened to Puka Nacua's father? Rams WR gets emotional remembering dad's tragic death

Puka Nacua has established himself as part of a new generation of wide receivers for the Los Angeles Rams. Nacua has been getting his fair share of receptions from Matthew Stafford. This season, he has already set the record for the most receptions in a game by a rookie wide receiver in the NFL with 15.

Lionel Nacua, his dad, was the inspiration for him becoming a footballer. As per Pro Football Network, there was a time when the senior Nacua used to ensure that his son spent time breaking down film instead of watching cartoons. It was a passion that was passed down from father to son.

However, tragedy struck in 2012 when Lionel died due to complications from diabetes. He was just 45. He never got to see his son succeed in college or in the NFL. However, his sons all honored his wish to play for his favorite team: the BYU Cougars.

Elder brother Samson Nacua transferred from Utah to the Cougars in 2021, the same year that Puka Nacua also moved there. Oldest brother, Kai, also played as a defensive back for the university.

Puka often gets emotional and looks skyward before games.

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Puka Nacua has been a steal by the Los Angeles Rams

Puka Nacua fell all the way to the fifth round before being picked by the Rams in this year's draft. He has been a revelation so far.

In his first game against the Seattle Seahawks, he had 10 receptions for 119 yards. In his second game against the San Francisco 49ers, he ended up with a record 15 receptions for a rookie for 147 yards. The only thing missing so far from his resume is a touchdown.

Matthew Stafford now has another viable weapon in his arsenal as the Rams look to come back from the ignominy of last season. Puka Nacua is slowly becoming indispensable and with each step, he continues to make his late father proud.

Puka Nacua broke various records in his first season in the NFL. The Rams star wide receiver caught 105 catches for 1486 yards and scoring six touch downs. Nacua has been a vital cog in Rams' sensational run in 2023.