The NFL world extends overwhelmingly beyond what happens on the field! And, it also intersects stories of family ties and socio-cultural heritage. When it comes to cherishing Polynesian descent, the two names that pop up are that of the NFL stars Marist Liufau and Puka Nacua. While Marist Liufau plays as the rookie linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys after making it through the 2024 NFL Draft, Puka Nacua is a key player with the Los Angeles Rams. Playing his rookie season in 2023, he made quite a name with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

But there’s more to it. Nacua and Liufau’s connection goes beyond the gridiron, bound together by family ties and Polynesian heritage. While they had limited interaction in their early years growing separately on different islands of the Pacific, the bond they share is unique.

Are Marist Liufau and Puka Nacua related?

Liufau and Nacua are second cousins. But, they grew up in different states, Liufau in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Nacua in Utah. However, despite the distance, they were highly aware of each other’s football skills. Liufau, a rookie this year, has since always made it a point to observe Nacua’s career, even though the distance was a hurdle. “We were disconnected in that aspect, because of the distance, and so we grew up apart, but I was keeping an eye out on him, just because I knew he was playing ball. I knew he was a baller. He always was a baller.”

Nacua’s rookie season recorded exceptional feats, as he gained most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,648) in a single season by a newcomer and a touchdown. Sharing a sense of pride over Nacua’s achievements, Liufau said, “It’s one of the highest bars you could probably set as a rookie, so thanks to Puka for that.”

Not only this, the cousins had also crossed paths with Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Rams, connecting solidly in the NFL world. The two cousins even shared the field at the 2019 Polynesian Bowl, facing each other. And, at each moment, Liufau took inspiration from cousin Nacua, remarking, “It’s just inspiring to see family doing such great things at this level.” Clearly, the bond and understanding between the two cannot be surpassed. However, the duo are not the only ones from Polynesian descent who have made it to the NFL.

NFL stars who have Polynesian heritage

Making it big into the NFL, both Nacua and Liufau always pay tribute to their Polynesian heritage. Talking about it, Liufau added, “It’s a testament to how we were raised and just our mindset growing up, especially as Polynesian kids. Representing our family, our culture, I think we hold a chip on our shoulder for sure.” Not just Nacua and Liufau, but other key names of Polynesian descent have made it big into the NFL world.

Liufau attended the Punahou High School in Honolulu, it is very well-regarded for producing NFL talent. And, it includes top names like Manti Te’o and DeForest Buckner. The school also had produced the high-regarded, late Cowboys lineman and 3-time Super Bowl winning champion, Mark Tuinei, who was known as a “gentle giant.” Other Polynesian legends like Troy Polamalu, a Hall of Fame safety, and Junior Seau, who is also a HoF’er, continue to exert pride in their Polynesian heritage.

The former NFL linebacker and Punahou alumnus, Manti Te’o, also took to mentor Liufau, when he was in a transitioning stage after college football prospects. Te’o went on to advise Liufau, and even provided assurance, saying, “Let me know if you need anything, bro.” And, this is what motivates Liufau to do his best, “It would be a disservice for me to let them down and not do my work.” With this motivation, both Liufau and Nacua continue to give their best in their careers.