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The Michigan Panthers earned a 26-12 win over the Memphis Showboats in their 2025 UFL season opener. Samson and Kai Nacua played a major part in the victory.
The Nacua brothers' strong day began in the second quarter, when Samson, a wide receiver, caught a 25-yard touchdown from Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins. The 27-year-old caught the quick pass from Perkins turned it into a 25-yard touchdown, the first of his UFL career.
Included on the score was a heady tackle dodge that would have made his younger brother, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, proud.
Meanwhile, safety Kai Nacua was active throughout the Panthers' first game, tying for second-most on the team with six tackles. His most important play came on the Showboats' penultimate offensive drive of the game.
Memphis quarterback Troy Williams had just found wide receiver Jonathan Adams for a 38-yard gain that positioned the Showboats on Michigan's 22-yard line as they looked to mount a game-tying drive. On the next throw, Kai intercepted Perkins and returned the pick for an 80-yard touchdown.
Naturally, Samson was the first person to join Kai to celebrate the safety's game-clinching score.
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Kai Nacua was glad he got a chance to make the game-winning play after his "eyes were a little bad earlier in the game."
"Guys are out here, we're trying to give it everything we've got," Kai said during a sideline interview. "When it's my turn to make a play, I gotta make that play."
The Panthers will now shift their focus to their Week 2 home opener. They will host the Birmingham Stallions at Ford Field on Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nacua brothers both score in Michigan Panthers' Week 1 win
Continue reading...
The Nacua brothers' strong day began in the second quarter, when Samson, a wide receiver, caught a 25-yard touchdown from Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins. The 27-year-old caught the quick pass from Perkins turned it into a 25-yard touchdown, the first of his UFL career.
Included on the score was a heady tackle dodge that would have made his younger brother, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, proud.
Meanwhile, safety Kai Nacua was active throughout the Panthers' first game, tying for second-most on the team with six tackles. His most important play came on the Showboats' penultimate offensive drive of the game.
Memphis quarterback Troy Williams had just found wide receiver Jonathan Adams for a 38-yard gain that positioned the Showboats on Michigan's 22-yard line as they looked to mount a game-tying drive. On the next throw, Kai intercepted Perkins and returned the pick for an 80-yard touchdown.
Naturally, Samson was the first person to join Kai to celebrate the safety's game-clinching score.
UFL'S NEW KICKOFF: Why Jake Bates timed rise to Lions stardom perfectly
Kai Nacua was glad he got a chance to make the game-winning play after his "eyes were a little bad earlier in the game."
"Guys are out here, we're trying to give it everything we've got," Kai said during a sideline interview. "When it's my turn to make a play, I gotta make that play."
The Panthers will now shift their focus to their Week 2 home opener. They will host the Birmingham Stallions at Ford Field on Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nacua brothers both score in Michigan Panthers' Week 1 win
Continue reading...
