Kai Nacua

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).^[2]

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.^[2]

Nacua was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2017.^[4][5]

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.^[6][7] On September 8, 2017, Nacua was promoted to the active roster.^[8] Head coach Hue Jackson named Nacua the backup strong safety behind Derrick Kindred to start the regular season.^[9]

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.^[10] 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.^[11]

Nacua was waived by the Browns on April 30, 2018.^[12]

On May 1, 2018, Nacua was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens.^[13] He was waived on August 31, 2018.^[14] He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 15, 2018.^[15] He was released on October 15, 2018.^[16]

On December 5, 2018, Nacua was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.^[17] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on December 31, 2018.^[18] He was waived on August 4, 2019.^[19]

On August 19, 2019, Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts.^[20] He was waived/injured on August 31, 2019, and was placed on injured reserve.^[21]

On November 24, 2020, Nacua was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.^[22] He was promoted to the active roster on December 2, 2020.^[23] On February 11, 2021, Nacua signed a one-year contract extension with the 49ers.^[24] He was released on August 27, 2021.^[25] He re-signed to the practice squad on September 10, 2021.^[26]

On December 23, 2021, Nacua was signed by the New York Jets off the 49ers practice squad.^[27] He was promoted to the active roster on December 25, 2021.^[28]

On August 23, 2022, Nacua was released.^[29] On November 29, 2022, he was re-signed to the Jets practice squad.^[30] He was released on December 29.^[31]

Nacua signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League on May 9, 2023.^[32] He was named to the 2024 All-UFL team on June 5, 2024.^[33] In September 2024, the Panthers signed Nacua's younger brother, Samson Nacua.

On January 13, 2026, Nacua was selected by the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft.^[34] Nacua rejected the contract and announced his retirement.^[35]