Kai Nacua
{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Kai Nacua
| image = Kai Nacua (50731501407) (cropped) (1).jpg
| caption = Nacua with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020
| current_team = Michigan Panthers
| number = 21
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|3|3}}
| birth_place = Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 205
| high_school = Liberty (Henderson, Nevada)
| college = BYU (2013–2016)
| undraftedyear = 2017
| pastteams =
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2017}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2018}})*
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})*
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2019}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2020}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2021}}–{{NFL Year|2022}})
- Michigan Panthers ({{USFL Year|2023}}–present)
| status = Active
| statseason =
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 19
| pfr = NacuKa00
|highlights=* All-UFL Team (2024)
Kaimana Nacua Sr. (born March 3, 1995) is an American professional football safety for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at BYU.
Early life
Nacua enjoyed success as a quarterback for the Liberty Patriots. In his senior season in 2012, Nacua's athletic prowess led his team to an 11–2 record. Nacua also lettered in basketball and volleyball. Prior to graduation, Nacua received offers from San Diego State University (SDSU), the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).[https://byucougars.com/sports/football/roster/season/2016/player/kai-nacua "Kai Nacua Sr." Profile] at BYU Cougars.com. Retrieved December 9, 2023 His Patriots #12 jersey was later retired in 2017.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4R04WbKSNY "Kai Nacua"] at YouTube.com. Retrieved December 9, 2023
College career
Nacua committed to Brigham Young University (BYU) where he began his freshman season in 2013 as a defensive back with the BYU Cougars. After the 2014 Miami Beach Bowl loss to the Memphis Tigers, Nacua was seen throwing punches at both Memphis coaches and players.
He started 24 of the 46 total games he played while in college. He made the 2015 Phil Steele's Postseason All-Independent First Team and was later named the 2016 College Sports Madness Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Nacua also made the 2016-2017 Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List. During the 2016 season, Nacua made 14 career interceptions, breaking a record set by Derwin Gray. While at BYU, Nacua majored in exercise and wellness.
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 3/4
| weight = 205
| dash = 4.49
| ten split = 1.54
| twenty split = 2.57
| shuttle = 4.14
| cone drill = 6.87
| vertical = 39
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 7
| bench = 15
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31 3/4
| hand span = 9 5/8
| note = All values from BYU's Pro Day{{cite web| title=Kai Nacua, Brigham Young, FS, 2017 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football| url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=130274&DraftYear=2017| access-date=January 16, 2018| website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=Cleveland Browns=
Nacua was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2017.{{cite web | last=Hein | first=Brett | title=BYU safety Kai Nacua signs free-agent deal with Cleveland Browns | website=Vanquish The Foe | date=2017-04-29 | url=https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2017/4/29/15446056/2017-nfl-draft-kai-nacua-byu-safety | access-date=2024-10-12}}{{cite web|title=Browns agree to terms with 11 undrafted free agents|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-agree-to-terms-with-11-undrafted-free-agents/caf4cb19-3bb3-4627-a6cb-a84e50697648|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=May 4, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009012640/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-agree-to-terms-with-11-undrafted-free-agents/caf4cb19-3bb3-4627-a6cb-a84e50697648|archive-date=October 9, 2017}}
Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against Justin Currie and Trey Caldwell. On September 3, 2017, the Browns waived Nacua and signed him to their practice squad the next day.{{cite web|title=Browns claim 5 players off waivers|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-claim-5-players-off-waivers/6086b90e-603c-4966-8f3d-ced3f238868a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201012939/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-claim-5-players-off-waivers/6086b90e-603c-4966-8f3d-ced3f238868a|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2018|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=September 3, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Browns add 3 to practice squad|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-add-3-to-practice-squad-/c2e5040f-51c1-4245-8ca3-94820b98b572|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212051811/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-add-3-to-practice-squad-/c2e5040f-51c1-4245-8ca3-94820b98b572|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2018|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=September 5, 2017}} On September 8, 2017, Nacua was promoted to the active roster.{{cite web|title=Browns elevate LB B.J. Bello and DB Kai Nacua to the active roster|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-elevate-LB-BJ-Bello-and-DB-Kai-Nacua-to-the-active-roster/58b71341-cbcf-4c5f-9dd2-c18182b7af50|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009013034/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-elevate-LB-BJ-Bello-and-DB-Kai-Nacua-to-the-active-roster/58b71341-cbcf-4c5f-9dd2-c18182b7af50|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 9, 2017|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=September 8, 2017}} Head coach Hue Jackson named Nacua the backup strong safety behind Derrick Kindred to start the regular season.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns depth chart: 10/01/2017| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/CLE| access-date=January 16, 2018| website=ourlads.com}}
He made his professional regular season debut in the Browns' season-opening 21–18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. On December 3, 2017, Nacua made his first career tackle during a 19–10 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 13-2017: Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Chargers| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017120310/2017/REG13/browns@chargers| access-date=January 16, 2018| website=NFL.com}} In Week 14, Nacua earned his first career start after Derrick Kindred suffered a wrist injury the week prior. Nacua recorded a season-high five solo tackles during the Browns' 27–21 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He finished the season with 14 combined tackles (12 solo) in 16 games and three starts.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Kai Nacua (2017)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/kainacua/2559220/gamelogs| access-date=January 19, 2018| website=NFL.com}}
Nacua was waived by the Browns on April 30, 2018.{{cite web|title=Browns sign QB Joel Stave|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-QB-Joel-Stave/5f187a67-f808-4284-be64-03ec8143f9e9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161106/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-QB-Joel-Stave/5f187a67-f808-4284-be64-03ec8143f9e9|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2018|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=April 30, 2018}}
=Baltimore Ravens=
On May 1, 2018, Nacua was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens.{{cite web|title=Ravens Claim Defensive Back Kai Nacua Off Waivers|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Claim-Defensive-Back-Kai-Nacua-Off-Waivers/366eb55a-de3a-4340-924c-d40b0d35603c|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=May 1, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502223952/http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Claim-Defensive-Back-Kai-Nacua-Off-Waivers/366eb55a-de3a-4340-924c-d40b0d35603c|archive-date=May 2, 2018}} He was waived on August 31, 2018.{{cite web|title=Ravens Release 10 Players, Send Four to Injured Reserve|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-release-10-players-send-four-to-injured-reserve|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=August 31, 2018}} He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 15, 2018.{{cite web|title=Ravens Re-Sign S Kai Nacua To Practice Squad|url=http://nfltraderumors.co/ravens-re-sign-s-kai-nacua-to-practice-squad/|work=NFL Trade Rumors|date=September 15, 2018}} He was released on October 15, 2018.{{cite web|title=Ravens Sign Three Players to Practice Squad|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-sign-ol-randin-crecelius-lb-alvin-jones-and-rb-mark-thompson-to-practice-|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=October 15, 2018}}
=Carolina Panthers=
On December 5, 2018, Nacua was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.{{cite web|title=Greg Olsen placed on injured reserve|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/greg-olsen-placed-on-injured-reserve|author=Henson, Max|website=Panthers.com|date=December 5, 2018}} He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on December 31, 2018.{{cite web|title=Panthers sign 13 players to future contracts|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-sign-13-players-to-future-contracts|website=Panthers.com|date=December 31, 2018}} He was waived on August 4, 2019.{{cite web|title=Panthers make roster move in the secondary|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-make-roster-move-in-the-secondary|website=Panthers.com|date=August 4, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811005145/https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-make-roster-move-in-the-secondary|url-status=dead}}
=Indianapolis Colts=
On August 19, 2019, Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts.{{cite web |last1=Hickey |first1=Kevin |title=Colts sign 3 free agents, place WR Daurice Fountain on IR |url=https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/19/indianapolis-colts-news-sign-free-agents-charcandrick-west-kai-nacua-marquis-young-daurice-fountain-donta-foreman/ |website=ColtsWire.USAToday.com |date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019}} He was waived/injured on August 31, 2019 and was placed on injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Colts Announce Final 2019 Roster Cuts|url=https://www.colts.com/news/initial-2019-roster-cuts|author=Walker, Andrew|website=Colts.com|date=August 31, 2019}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
On November 24, 2020, Nacua was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.{{cite web|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-roster-moves-edwards-nacua-poindexter-raheem-mostert-jeff-wilson-jr|website=49ers.com|date=November 24, 2020}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 2, 2020.{{cite web|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-activate-aiyuk-jones-willis-off-covid-19-list|website=49ers.com|date=December 2, 2020}} On February 11, 2021, Nacua signed a one-year contract extension with the 49ers.{{cite web|title=49ers Sign S Kai Nacua To One-Year Extension|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-sign-safety-kai-nacua-one-year-extension|work=49ers.com|date=February 11, 2021|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303184501/https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-sign-safety-kai-nacua-one-year-extension|url-status=dead}} He was released on August 27, 2021.{{Cite web|title=49ers Sign OL Corbin Kaufusi; Release S Kai Nacua|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-ol-corbin-kaufusi-waive-s-kai-nacua|publisher=49ers.com|date=August 27, 2021|access-date=August 27, 2021}} He re-signed to the practice squad on September 10, 2021.{{Cite web|title=49ers sign S Kai Nacua to the practice squad, release LB Rashad Smith|url=https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/149959-49ers-sign-nacua-practice-squad-release-rashad-smith/|publisher=49erswebzone.com|date=September 10, 2021|access-date=September 10, 2021}}
=New York Jets=
On December 23, 2021, Nacua was signed by the New York Jets off the 49ers practice squad.{{cite web|title=Jets Sign S Kai Nacua|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-s-kai-nacua|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=December 23, 2021}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 25, 2021.{{cite web|title=49ers Announce Roster Moves|url=https://www.jets.com/news/jets-activate-aiyuk-jones-willis-to-active-roster|website=jets.com|date=December 25, 2021}}
On August 23, 2022, Nacua was released.{{cite web|title= Jets Release 5 Players to Get Roster to 80 |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-release-5-players-to-get-roster-to-80|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=newyorkjets.com|date=August 23, 2022}} On November 29, 2022, he was re-signed to the Jets practice squad.{{cite web|title=Jets Sign S Kai Nacua, RB Jonathan Ward to Practice Squad|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-s-kai-nacua-rb-jonathan-ward-to-practice-squad|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=November 29, 2022}} He was released on December 29.{{cite web|title=Jets Sign WR Malik Taylor to Practice Squad|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-wr-malik-taylor-to-practice-squad|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=December 29, 2022}}
=Michigan Panthers=
Nacua signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League on May 9, 2023.{{cite tweet |user=USFLPanthers |title=Free Agent Signings |number=1656131951261110274 |date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023}} He was named to the 2024 All-UFL team on June 5, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=UFL Announces Inaugural All-UFL Team |url=https://www.theufl.com/news/2024/june/05/ufl-announces-inaugural-all-ufl-team |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.theufl.com |language=en}} In September 2024, the Panthers signed Nacua’s younger brother, Samson Nacua.
Career statistics
= NFL =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="5"| Interceptions ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Cmb|Combined tackles}} | {{abbr|Solo|Solo tackles}} | {{abbr|Ast|Assisted tackles}} | {{abbr|Sck|Sacks}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Yds|Interception yards}} | {{abbr|Avg|Average interception yards}} | {{abbr|TD|Interceptions returned for a touchdown}} | {{abbr|PD|Passes defensed}} | {{abbr|FF|Forced fumbles}} | {{abbr|FR|Fumble recoveries}} |
| 2017 | CLE
| 16 || 3 || 14 || 12 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | SF
| 5 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NacuKa00.htm Career]|| 21 || 3 || 15 || 13 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |
= UFL =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
! rowspan="2" |Year ! rowspan="2" |Team !Games ! colspan="4" |Tackles ! colspan="4" |Interceptions ! colspan="3" |Fumbles |
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}}
!{{abbr|Cmb|Combined tackles}} !{{abbr|Solo|Solo tackles}} !{{abbr|Ast|Assisted tackles}} !{{abbr|Sck|Sacks}} !{{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !{{abbr|Yds|Interception yards}} !{{abbr|Avg|Average interception yards}} !{{abbr|TD|Interceptions returned for a touchdown}} !{{abbr|PD|Passes defensed}} !{{abbr|FF|Forced fumbles}} !{{abbr|FR|Fumble recoveries}} |
|---|
| 2024
!MICH |9 |43 |34 |9 |1.0 |3 |6 |2.0 |0 | -- |0 |0 |
| 2025
!MICH |2 |14 |10 |4 |0.0 |1 |80 |80.0 |0 | -- |0 |0 |
| colspan="2" |[https://www.theufl.com/teams/michigan/kai-nacua/stats Career]
!11 !57 !44 !13 !1.0 !4 !86 !41.0 !0 !-- !0 !0 |
Personal life
Nacua has three younger brothers who also play football, all of whom are wide receivers. Samson Nacua, who also plays for the UFL's Panthers and most recently played in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, Puka Nacua plays for the Los Angeles Rams, and Tei Nacua is a freshman WR for BYU. Samson also played at BYU after transferring from Utah, and Puka transferred to BYU from Washington.{{cite web | title=BYU Athlete Profile: Samson Nacua |url=http://byucougars.com/athlete/football/1297288/samson-nacua |access-date=October 7, 2021 |website=BYUCougars.com}} He is of Samoan and Hawaiian descent.{{cite web |last1=Drew |first1=Jay |title=Kai Nacua a finalist for Polynesian Player of the Year award |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=4621170&itype=CMSID |publisher=The Salt Lake Tribune |access-date=4 October 2023 |date=22 November 2016}}
He married Alexa Revelles on April 6, 2018. They have two sons, Kaimana Nacua Jr. (born April 10, 2020), and Mateo Rodolfo Nacua (born December 7, 2023).
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons}}
- [http://byucougars.com/athlete/m-football/kai-nacua BYU Cougars bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nacua, Kai}}
Category:Sportspeople from Henderson, Nevada
Category:American sportspeople of Samoan descent
Category:Players of American football from Las Vegas
Category:American football defensive backs
Category:BYU Cougars football players
Category:Cleveland Browns players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:Carolina Panthers players
Category:Indianapolis Colts players
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Michigan Panthers (2022) players
Category:Pacific Islander American players of American football