Puka Nacua says his elementary/middle school name in TV introductions mostly as a personal shout-out and a bit of personality, not as a dig at his colleges.

What he actually says

  • During prime-time introductions (like NFL playoff broadcasts), Nacua has introduced himself as “Puka Nacua, John R. Hummel Elementary,” instead of naming his college or high school.
  • This specific elementary school is in Las Vegas and clearly means a lot to him, since he has used it more than once on national broadcasts.

Why players do this

  • In modern NFL broadcasts, it has become common for players to say something other than their college: hometowns, high schools, youth teams, or even elementary schools.
  • Fans discussing Nacua’s intro point out that this is a trend, not a unique snub; many players now use that quick moment to highlight somewhere that shaped them or to have fun with the format.

Is it a snub to BYU or Washington?

  • Forum discussions about Nacua omitting BYU in his intro emphasize that he is still described as very supportive and involved with BYU, so most commenters do not see it as a hostile gesture.
  • Several posters note that players often rotate what they shout out and that choosing an elementary school is just a personal choice, not necessarily a statement against a college.

Likely reasons he chooses his elementary school

There is no single official explanation from Nacua spelling out “here’s exactly why,” but putting together public reporting and fan discussion gives a reasonable picture:

  • Personal roots and gratitude : Highlighting John R. Hummel Elementary puts a spotlight on the place where his early life and community support began, which can feel more meaningful than repeating a well-known college name.
  • Standing out on TV : Saying an elementary school is unusual and memorable, which fits the playful, personality-driven style of modern NFL intros that fans and commentators have noted.
  • Following a common modern trend : Other players also skip their college to shout out youth programs or hometown schools, so Nacua’s choice fits right into that broader pattern.

TL;DR: Nacua says his middle/elementary school because it matters to him personally and because NFL players increasingly use intros to highlight any meaningful part of their background, not just their college. It is generally seen as a fun, personal choice, not a public snub of BYU or Washington.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.