Puka Nacua and Maxx Crosby Label Sean McVay a ‘Mini-Gruden’ as Former Broncos Ball Boy Becomes Super Bowl-Winning Coach

In the 2023 season, when the Dolphins humiliated the Broncos 70-20, everyone got to know a fun fact. The Dolphins’ head coach, Mike McDaniel, used to be the Broncos’ ball boy when he was much younger. However, he eventually rose through the ranks to become the coach of one of 2023’s sharpest offenses. And now another current coach shares the same starting story.

On the latest episode of Maxx Crosby’s The Rush podcast, Puka Nacua and Crosby sang Rams’ HC Sean McVay’s praises. Incidentally, he too was the Broncos’ ball boy at one time. And McDaniel, with his nerdy glasses and idiosyncrasies, is touted as one of the NFL’s coolest HCs. But could he be up against some competition now?

Crosby and Puka give props to “cool” Sean McVay

Puka Nacua and Maxx Crosby recently shed light on McVay’s coaching demeanor and his early influences. Puka Nacua said, “Yeah, in moments he can be pretty intense, but overall, he’s super chill. He’s like, ‘bro,’ you know? He is so young and relatable. He’s the man.” Crosby also chipped in, “Every time we’ve gone against them in LA, it’s been clear McVay carries Gruden’s influence. He started as a ball boy in Tampa, always around Gruden, soaking in every detail about the game.”

Gruden’s mentorship was pivotal, providing McVay with his initial break in the NFL with a nominal title just to get his foot in the door. This gesture of faith set McVay on a path that would see him defy expectations and age norms to become one of the league’s most successful and innovative coaches before even hitting 40.

But how did he come to earn that moniker?

Why is McVay called “mini-Gruden”?

The similarities between McVay and Gruden go beyond their professional relationship, extending into their cadences, mannerisms, and the intensity of their speeches. This striking resemblance has led many within and outside the Rams organization to affectionately refer to McVay as “Mini Gruden.” Jon Gruden last coached the New Orleans Saints, but has now moved to the European League of Football.

McVay had called him “a great coach, motivator, leader, and teacher.” This mentorship laid the groundwork for McVay’s subsequent success and his holistic approach to football, viewing it from a “22-man perspective.”

And Puca is a crucial part of this “22-man perspective”. Despite having the talented Cooper Kupp and seasoned players like Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell; McVay, general manager Les Snead, and the Rams’ scouting team were on the hunt for a player with a specific set of skills and qualities. “We were looking for a Robert Woods,” McVay candidly shared. Robert Woods, a pivotal acquisition back in 2017 when McVay first took the helm, had been instrumental in the Rams’ impressive runs, contributing significantly to their playoff appearances and journey to two Super Bowls.

It’s in this mold that the Rams envisioned Nacua fitting, hoping he’d bring a similar impact and drive to the team as they aimed to recapture their winning ways.

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