'Uncle Dana!' Inside Rams Receiver Puka Nacua's Relationship with UFC President

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua is surely meeting his share of celebrities, but his relationship with UFC President Dana White dates back much farther than his NFL career.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua shocked the world, taking the league by storm on his way to second place in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He had arguably the greatest rookie season ever.

His breakout may have been surprising to most but for UFC President Dana White, it was another step in a journey he’s been watching for a long time.

On “Games With Names,” hosted by former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, White delves into his relationship with Los Angeles’ newfound star.

Apr 8, 2022; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Dana White (white shirt) with some young fans during weigh-ins for UFC 273 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Stadium / Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

“My kids grew up with Puka,” White said. “He grew up in our house.”

Nacua grew up in Las Vegas before moving to Utah, where he eventually played his final two collegiate seasons at BYU. Before his days in Provo, Nacua was a star for White’s youth football team.

“Me and Lorenzo used to fund a team called the ‘Little Cowboys’ and he was on the ‘Little Cowboys’ with my kids and a bunch of other guys that are playing right now,” White said. “There’s a few kids that went to the NFL from that team, and good colleges, too. To see Puka doing what he’s doing now, it could not happen to a better human being.”

White would restate his love for Nacua after he broke the rookie record for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486 yards).

Congrats @AsapPuka for breaking the all-time rookie record for receptions and receiving yards! It could not happen to a better human. We are all so happy for you and PROUD of you!!!!! https://t.co/mwsj7kgGgk

— danawhite (@danawhite) January 8, 2024

Nacua’s rise to NFL stardom came out of left field, having been a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. To seemingly everyone outside of the facility, Nacua was as anonymous as his collegiate production – a modest career that never topped 48 catches in a season.

“When you meet this kid, you will love this kid,” White told Edelman. “He’s such a good kid.”

'Going To Nail That Pick!' Video Reveals Rams' Love for Nacua

White may be busy presiding over a sports league of his own, but the two have seemed to continue their long-standing relationship into Nacua’s professional career.