Samson Nacua: Wikipedia | Nationality | Stats | NFL | Slap | College — Complete Biography & Profile

Football fans following the Nacua name know there’s more than one standout athlete in the family. While Puka Nacua has dominated NFL headlines with the Los Angeles Rams, his older brother Samson Nacua has carved out his own path through college football and professional leagues including UFL, NFL training camps, and beyond. This comprehensive Samson Nacua biography covers everything from his nationality and early life, through his college career at Utah and BYU, to his professional journey, key stats, and the controversial slap incident that made headlines.

Who is Samson Nacua? (Quick Introduction)

Samson Lionel Nacua (born January 20, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). He first gained attention in college football as a productive receiver for the Utah Utes before transferring to BYU for his senior season. Though he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Nacua continued his professional pursuit through stints with NFL teams and spring leagues like the UFL. 

Nationality & Background

• Full Name: Samson Lionel Nacua

• Date of Birth: January 20, 1998

• Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

• Nationality: American

• Height: 6 ft 3 in

• Weight: ~206 lb

• High School: Timpview High School, Provo, Utah

Born and raised in the United States, Samson comes from a large football family deeply rooted in the sport. His siblings also pursued football careers, with brother Puka Nacua becoming an NFL star and Kai Nacua playing professionally in defensive roles. 

College Career: Utah Utes & BYU Cougars

Utah Utes (2016–2020)

Samson began his collegiate career at the University of Utah as a walk-on then earned a scholarship. Over several seasons with the Utes, he steadily developed as a wide receiver:

• 2017: Breakout year with solid playing time after redshirting in 2016.

• 2018: Led Utah in receiving touchdowns with 5.

• 2019: Maintained production with 18 catches for 330 yards and 4 TDs.

• 2020: Limited action but contributed before deciding to transfer. 

Across his Utah tenure, Nacua was known for his reliable hands, size in contested catches, and developing route running.

BYU Cougars (2021)

In 2021, Samson transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU), joining his younger brother Puka. At BYU, Nacua continued to produce:

• BYU stats: 21 receptions, 329 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns (2021) — with an additional rushing touchdown and a solid all-purpose yardage total. 

Playing his final college season next to Puka gave Samson a chance to highlight his versatility and veteran experience in a new offensive system.

Did Samson Nacua Play in the NFL?

Yes, Samson pursued an NFL career after college:

Indianapolis Colts (2022)

After going undrafted in 2022, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. Although he showed promise in training camp, he was released during final roster cuts before the regular season. 

New Orleans Saints (2024)

Nacua later signed with the New Orleans Saints, marking his most recent NFL stint before returning to the UFL. While he did not secure a long-term roster spot, his time in NFL camps reflects his persistence and professional ambition. 

Professional Career: UFL & Beyond

Pittsburgh Maulers & Michigan Panthers

Following his NFL endeavors, Samson transitioned to spring football:

• Pittsburgh Maulers: Played a limited number of games in the USFL.

• Michigan Panthers: Joined the Michigan Panthers of the UFL where he plays as a starting wide receiver and contributes in the passing attack.

By 2025, Samson was in his second season with the Panthers and had established himself as a core part of their receiving corps.

Stats & Performance

College Stats (Approximate)

• Utah Utes: Over 1,000 receiving yards across multiple seasons.

• BYU Cougars: 329 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns (2021). 

UFL Stats (2025 Season)

While exact UFL totals can vary by source, Samson’s 2025 numbers include:

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 116

• Receiving Touchdowns: 1

His contributions show a consistent role in the Panthers’ offense, offering reliable short-to-intermediate receiving and occasional yard after catch.

Controversy: The ‘Slap’ Incident

One of the most discussed moments in Samson Nacua’s professional career happened in April 2025. After a UFL game between the Michigan Panthers and St. Louis Battlehawks, Nacua was involved in an altercation where he appeared to slap a fan following a verbal exchange after the game. Video footage circulated widely on social media, capturing the incident and generating broad reactions from fans and analysts. 

The league responded quickly:

• The United Football League (UFL) investigated the confrontation and suspended Nacua for one game without pay, requiring community service events later in the season.

• The incident highlighted the importance of athlete conduct and the repercussions for actions that cross professional boundaries.

This moment, though controversial, became a notable part of Samson’s profile in discussions about athlete accountability and fan interactions.

Samson Nacua vs. Puka Nacua: Football Family Comparison

The Nacua family is well-represented in football:

• Puka Nacua: Star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams with record-breaking production and high NFL profile.

• Kai Nacua: Former NFL safety now in the UFL with the Panthers.

• Samson Nacua: Productive college receiver who continues to pursue professional success in UFL and NFL opportunities. 

While their careers differ in scale and spotlight, each sibling shares a commitment to the game that began in Utah and has carried through professional leagues.

What’s Next for Samson Nacua?

At 27 (as of 2025), Samson still has years ahead to shape his professional legacy. Whether aiming for another NFL opportunity, becoming a UFL standout, or leveraging his experience into coaching or mentorship, his football journey remains active and evolving.

FAQ: Samson Nacua (Updated)

Q1: What is Samson Nacua’s nationality?

A: Samson Nacua is American, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in the United States. 

Q2: Did Samson Nacua ever play in the NFL?

A: He signed with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints as a free agent but did not appear in a regular-season NFL game. 

Q3: Where did Samson Nacua play college football?

A: He played at the University of Utah from 2016 to 2020 and transferred to BYU for the 2021 season. 

Q4: What were the details of the slap incident?

A: In April 2025, after a UFL game, Nacua appeared to slap a fan during an altercation, leading to a one-game suspension and community service. 

Q5: What team does Samson Nacua play for now?

A: As of 2025, he is a wide receiver with the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League (UFL). 

Q6: How is Samson related to Puka Nacua?

A: Samson is the older brother of NFL wide receiver Puka Nacua. Both played college football and share a family legacy in the sport.