The Los Angeles Rams gathered in Maui for their mandatory minicamp, and wide receiver Puka Nacua is embracing every moment of the trip, sharing his positive experience on social media. His enthusiasm caught the eye of Pro Bowler and teammate Kyren Williams, who responded with a brief but motivating message.

Nacua posted a reel of photos to his Instagram account, captioning it “The Middle Of The Ocean” and summarizing his feelings with the word “Yessuh” and a hang loose emoji. Williams, who has stepped into a leadership role on the team, replied with an encouraging “Keep going!!” to show his support and camaraderie.

Other Rams teammates, including cornerbacks Charles Woods and Cobie Durant, responded enthusiastically in the comments with emojis, reflecting the upbeat mood shared across the squad during the minicamp.

It feels like home. As soon as we got off the plane, the first person, he gave me a big hug, and he had a big smile. He’s like, ‘Oh, thank you so much for everything you do for the Polynesian community.’

Puka Nacua told reporters on June 17.

That’s how I expected it to be. To have a warm welcome, somebody [to] hug. And I thought he was going to have a Spam musubi, but he didn’t. But it was all right. We got him after.

Nacua Reflects on His Pacific Heritage and Hawaii Connection

Although Nacua’s family roots trace back to Western Samoa, more than 2,500 miles from Hawaii, he feels a deep connection to the islands and their people. This trip holds special significance as it allows him to connect with the community and the team’s efforts beyond the football field.

I think it’s something that we all can relate to. It’s something, being able to understand and have that empathy of, this is a similar situation to what we were in. And I wasn’t directly impacted by the fires, but to know of the support that you want to give to those people who are going through that issue, and to see how it can change and bring a community closer together in that time,

Nacua shared about the emotional impact of the recent wildfires on Maui.

I think our team has felt that. And being able to come back and give back to these kids and see a smile on their face and to make sure they have a good time is something that I always want to be a part of.

Expressing his gratitude for being part of the Rams’ return to Hawaii after some years, Nacua described the experience as one that feels like home and hopes mini camps in Maui will become an annual tradition.

I’m glad I was able to be a part of the first time we’ve come back in a little while,

he said.

So, hopefully, minicamps here every year. It’ll be a good vacation for us all.

The Rams completed their minicamp on June 18 after being displaced by wildfires in Los Angeles, which had previously forced the relocation of their NFC Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings. The team is scheduled to regroup for training camp beginning July 22 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Rams’ Maui Visit Focused on Team Building and Community Support

The Rams’ decision to hold minicamp on Maui was driven by both team bonding and a commitment to supporting the local community, which continues to recover from devastating wildfires nearly two years ago. According to ESPN journalist Sarah Barshop, the trip included approximately 500 people, featuring players, coaches, staff, and family members.

The Rams traveled to Maui for minicamp in part for team bonding and to help a community affected by devastating wildfires nearly two years ago,

Barshop reported on June 20.

The franchise’s ties to Hawaii stretch back decades, with some community members recalling youth camps hosted by Rams players during the 1970s. The team held a luau on Monday night that emphasized these enduring connections.

The Rams wrapped up minicamp with a practice session at a packed War Memorial Stadium, showcasing their commitment to engaging with local fans. Their ongoing support for Hawaii also includes broadcasting preseason games and fundraising efforts for the islands.

Barshop highlighted that Nacua and several other players participated in flag and tackle football clinics, while the team’s rookies assisted Habitat for Humanity Maui in rebuilding homes in areas like Lahaina.

Rams Minicamp Aims to Leave Lasting Impact

The Rams’ Maui minicamp goes beyond football practice, blending athletic preparation with meaningful community involvement. Players like Puka Nacua are helping to bridge the gap between the team and local residents, reinforcing the Rams’ role as both competitors and contributors.

By reconnecting with Hawaii and emphasizing their support for those affected by wildfires, the Rams are fostering goodwill that may strengthen the team’s culture and fan base well beyond the duration of minicamp. This experience is expected to boost morale and deepen players’ commitment as they return to training camp later this summer.