In a surprising crossover between Hollywood and the National Football League, Los Angeles Rams standout Puka Nacua has made a very public attempt to catch the attention of actress Sydney Sweeney. The move comes after Sweeney's recent comments about her ideal partner went viral across social media platforms.
From the Gridiron to the Gossip Columns
The 24-year-old wide receiver, who has rapidly become one of the NFL's most exciting talents since being drafted by the Rams in 2023, appears to be looking for more than just football success. Nacua retweeted Sweeney's interview comments where she described her perfect man as 'athletic and outgoing and funny' with a love for adventure activities like mountain climbing and skydiving.
Nacua added his own simple but telling response: 'Love skydiving' – a clear signal that he believes he fits the actress's stated criteria.
Sweeney's Viral Interview Sparks NFL Interest
Sweeney, who has been in the spotlight this week for launching her own lingerie line, gave the revealing interview to Cosmopolitan magazine to promote her business venture. Beyond the athletic requirements, she emphasised the importance of family values, stating: 'And someone who loves their family. I love myself a man... oh, wow, when you print that, you won't hear the inflection in my voice.'
The comments quickly spread across social media, catching the eye of not just Nacua but other NFL players as well. Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis also retweeted the same quotes, writing: 'I can probably add skydiving to my bucket list' – suggesting Sweeney's preferences have created something of a competition among professional athletes.
Nacua's Personal Life and Recent History
The Rams star's social media move comes as he recovers from the disappointment of his team's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the game that would have secured a Super Bowl appearance. Off the field, Nacua's personal life has seen significant developments recently.
He is believed to be currently single but welcomed a baby boy with his ex-girlfriend Hallie Aiono in October. The birth followed some legal complications when Aiono initially filed a petition to establish Nacua's paternity, though the couple appeared to resolve their differences by the time their son arrived.
Nacua was photographed alongside Aiono in hospital when she gave birth and posted on Instagram expressing pride in her for bringing his son into the world.
Uncertain Territory for Both Stars
It remains unclear whether Sweeney is actually available, despite her very public discussion of relationship preferences. The actress has been repeatedly photographed with music mogul Scooter Braun, though she didn't name him directly in her Cosmopolitan interview.
Sweeney acknowledged the challenges of dating in the public eye, telling the magazine: 'Sometimes I'll think that I can do a normal thing and have a date in a normal way, and then it gets perceived in a very non-normal way. But it's hard deciding that I want to experience love in the public eye. I'm just navigating it all.'
Whether Nacua's very public approach will lead to any private connection remains to be seen, but the interaction has certainly created buzz at the intersection of professional sports and celebrity culture.