Puka Nacua Reveals Story Behind His Bizarre Instagram Handle
Jun 14, 2025, 12:07 PM
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a win over the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The story behind the Puka Nacua Instagram handle might be even funnier than the name itself.
On the “Games with Names” podcast, hosted by former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman, Nacua explained why his social media handle is @pukaizded.
Puka Nacua’s mom found his secret Instagram account and changed the handle to ‘pukaizded’ to let him know he was in trouble 😂😂
🎥: @gameswithnames pic.twitter.com/DaTl1jjXxg
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) June 14, 2025
“Funny story,” Nacua started. “My mom, maybe in my eighth grade year, didn’t know I had Instagram. My mom finds my Instagram and changes it. She made it @pukaizded to let me know I was in trouble. I’ve never changed it after that. It’s too funny.”
For his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Nacua said the @AsapPuka handle is a nod to his love for hip-hop and the A$AP rap collective.
In the April episode, Nacua and Edelman also chatted about meeting LeBron James, the NFL offseason, his record-breaking rookie year, his time at BYU, and more.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nacua’s sophomore campaign was plagued with injuries, but he still finished the season with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
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