Ever wondered why you see Puka Nacua, the Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver, looking up to the sky with tears in his eyes before games? To many fans, it’s become a memorable image, showing not just his passion for football but a much deeper, more personal tribute. Nacua sheds tears for his late father, Lionel, who passed away when Puka was only 11. Every time he steps onto the field, Puka honors the man who first believed in his dreams.
So, what’s the story behind those tears? Here’s how Puka’s journey, rooted in family love, discipline, and resilience, shapes his emotional game-day ritual.
Puka Nacua Is Honoring His Father’s Legacy
For Puka, football isn’t just a game—it’s a way to honor his father’s legacy. Lionel Nacua, Puka’s dad, dreamed of seeing his children succeed in sports, and his influence remains a central part of Puka’s life. Tragically, Lionel passed away due to complications from diabetes when Puka was still in middle school. But even though he’s gone, Lionel’s impact lives on. Puka often looks up at the sky before kickoff, dedicating each game to his father’s memory.
“He’s the reason I’m here,” Puka has expressed about his dad’s role in his life. His father’s dream of seeing his children play at a high level in football motivated Puka to push himself. For Puka, his pre-game tears aren’t just about loss—they’re a way of saying, “I’m doing this for you, Dad.”
Raised By A Strong Single Mother
After Lionel’s passing, Puka and his five siblings were raised by their mother, Penina Nacua. A true matriarch, Penina has been both “mother and father” to her children. She’s instilled in them the importance of resilience, kindness, and hard work. Penina’s dedication to raising her children single-handedly played a huge part in Puka’s journey to the NFL.
As Puka’s biggest supporter, Penina encouraged her children to balance academics and sports. One story that shows her no-nonsense parenting style is when she once pulled Puka off the practice field, reminding him that he couldn’t avoid his homework, even for football. She wanted her children to have solid foundations, not just in sports but in life.
Penina feels her late husband’s absence deeply, especially during Puka’s big career moments. In January 2024, she shared her emotions, saying, “I miss that his dad is not here. I wish my husband was here, physically, so that he could hug Puka and just see him in his element now.”
Puka Nacua Is Fulfilling His Father’s Dream
Puka Nacua takes the field with the Rams wearing the No. 17 jersey—a number representing his team and his commitment to fulfilling his father’s dream. Penina often reminds her kids to make their father proud and to carry on his legacy with purpose. It’s no wonder that all five of Puka’s brothers also received Division I scholarships, an extraordinary achievement showing just how powerful family and vision can be.
For Puka, it’s not just about being on the Rams’ roster; it’s about impacting the field. Despite being a fourth-round pick, Puka’s performances have already turned heads. His talent, discipline, and family influence have made him one of the NFL’s promising young players.
