​Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both missed time for the Los Angeles Rams last season. Puka Nacua, wearing No. 12 for the Rams, reacted with energy after a first down against the Baltimore Ravens, while his ongoing future with Los Angeles has remained a topic of strong interest. The Rams and Nacua are set to report to training camp later this month, with the fourth-year wide receiver enjoying his downtime in the interim.
Nacua recently drew the NFL’s social media spotlight for comments he shared in the wake of a notable encounter. This moment, however, was celebrated for the right reasons, coming after a meeting with Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. The two Polynesian heirs to football and acting fame were photographed together at a movie premiere, marking a cross-genre crossover that highlighted Nacua’s growing profile.
Nacua posted a message after meeting Johnson at the premiere for the live-action Moana, which features Johnson in the role of Maui, a character he originally voiced in the 2016 animated version. The NFL’s social account highlighted a photo of Nacua and Johnson from the event, which originated from a July 8 Instagram post by Nacua in which he described the night as “an amazing experience under the stars watching our culture on the big screen!! #moana #hollywoodbowl #disney.” The post showcased several images and clips of the two stars greeting one another and posing for pictures.
Nacua’s mother accompanied him to the premiere at the Hollywood Bowl, joining a photo session that also included Johnson and his mother, as well as Catherine Laga’aia, who plays the live-action Moana’s titular character in the movie, which was released nationwide on July 10. The Rams wide receiver looked forward to the Rams’ minicamp in Maui in 2025, a sentiment he shared with enthusiasm, given his connection to the island.
The meeting with Johnson comes about a year after Los Angeles held its mandatory minicamp in Maui, a move Nacua supported wholeheartedly. The Rams star, who is Samoan and Hawaiian with Portuguese roots, called it a “huge privilege” to be someone locals admire. During the team’s trip, Nacua drew excited responses from fans whenever he was introduced, underscoring the strong bond he has with the community.
Nacua spoke publicly about his approach to the game and to life, emphasizing his responsibility to his roots. In an interview on the Mina Kimes Show in February 2025, he described his mindset as a constant reminder to be intense in pursuing excellence while staying grounded in his heritage. He spoke about remaining true to the values his mother imparted—treating everyone with respect and showing love and compassion to those around him—while pursuing his passion for football.
The narrative surrounding Nacua’s off-field life has been well documented as part of his broader public profile, including how his cultural identity and personal upbringing inform his manner on and off the field. His resilience and dedication have earned support from notable figures, including Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin, who publicly backed Nacua as he navigates the pressures and opportunities that come with being an ascending star in the NFL.