The narrative surrounding Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has taken a dramatic and contrasting turn over the past year and a half. While the athlete himself remains focused on his football career, his family name has been in the news for two starkly different reasons—one heartwarming, the other concerning. This is the full timeline of events that shifted the spotlight from a son's loving gesture to a sibling's legal troubles.
The Heartwarming Viral Moment: A Son's Tribute
In May 2024, Puka Nacua captured the hearts of sports fans across America with a deeply personal act. The Los Angeles Rams featured a touching moment in the first episode of their series "Behind The Grind," which was later picked up by USA TODAY Sports. The footage showed Nacua surprising his mother with the gift of a brand new car.
The emotional weight of the gift was immense due to the family's history. Nacua's father passed away in 2012 when Puka was young, leaving his mother to raise the family. She had not owned a new vehicle in over ten years. Nacua explained that the gesture mirrored one his own father had made years ago, complete with the symbolic big red bow on the car.
"I remember my mom coming, like, 'Man, did you guys see the new car?'" Nacua recalled of his father's surprise. His own recreation of that moment led to an outpouring of praise from fans and teammates alike, solidifying his public image as a grounded and family-oriented player.
A Sharp Turn: Brother's Arrest in High-Profile Theft Case
The family narrative shifted abruptly in December 2025. Outlets including ESPN and NBC4 Los Angeles reported that Samson Nacua, Puka's older brother, had been arrested. He was taken into custody alongside another man, Trey Rose, for their alleged involvement in the theft of a vehicle.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the stolen vehicle was a newer model BMW. Authorities reported that the car was believed to belong to Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero. Deputies tracked the vehicle to the 8400 block of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly valeted the car at a hotel. They were later identified using security camera footage, leading to their arrest on a Saturday afternoon. In a significant development later that same night, both Samson Nacua and Trey Rose were released from custody.
Their release was processed under California Penal Code Section 849(b), which indicates that at that moment, there were insufficient grounds to file a formal criminal complaint. The sheriff's department emphasized that their investigation into the matter remains active and ongoing.
Contrast and Clarification
The difference between the two events is stark, separated by roughly 19 months. The first story highlighted family, sacrifice, and success. The second introduces an element of alleged crime and legal scrutiny involving a family member.
It is crucial to note that Puka Nacua himself was not accused of any wrongdoing in the 2025 incident. His name was not listed as a suspect, and he was not involved in the case. The focus of the investigation remained solely on his brother, Samson.
This series of events paints a complex picture of life in the public eye, where personal family moments can become viral news, and the actions of relatives can inadvertently draw attention back to a celebrity's name. For now, Puka Nacua continues his professional journey with the Rams, while the legal process concerning his brother unfolds separately.
