“There’s a few other Polynesian receivers, but I feel like they don’t rep it maybe as hard as (me and Puka) do,” said McMillan last week. “So I mean, obviously, seeing what Puka is doing is incredible. He’s obviously up for offensive player of the year. So, as a Polynesian, that’s definitely something that we take pride in.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba ended up taking home offensive player of the year, but Nacua did finish the season as the receptions leader, a second-time Pro Bowler, and a first-team All-Pro behind a career 129 receptions, 1,715 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 80 first downs. And McMillan did walk away with offensive rookie of the year honors last week, after leading all rookie pass-catchers in every major category.
Beyond the representation, Nacua sees some of his and McMillan’s success as a dividend of their heritage.