HONOLULU – Just before Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua was set to wrap up his record-setting rookie season Sunday, his younger brother, Tei, was rushing through the interview line at the Polynesian Bowl. His hope was to be able to get some time to flip on the TV and watch his older brother make his playoff debut.
Not far away, Nacua’s mom was with Penei Sewell’s family, and the three-star recruit had a feeling there was some banter between the families before the two players took the field in Detroit. Sewell is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, the Rams’ opponent in Sunday’s game.
The two families have connections from their time in Utah.
“They live about 10 minutes away from here, so I know they’re probably butting heads right now because both of their sons are playing,” he said. “So that’ll be good.”
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Puka finished Sunday’s game with 182 yards receiving and a touchdown on nine catches. The 182 yards is a new NFL rookie playoff record in a single game.
Tei, a 6-foot-2 BYU signee, has learned a lot from his older brother who began his career at Washington before finishing with the Cougars.
Tei says “consistency” is the message his older brother has preached to him. The younger Nacua brother admits that when people learn of his last name, he knows what question comes next.
Yes, he’s the younger brother of the breakout NFL receiver, but he’s also trying to become his own player. That’s one reason he’s hoping to put together a strong week in Honolulu.
