NFL rookie Puka Nacua gives away Super Bowl tickets to deserving veteran

LA Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua is having an incredible year. He quickly went from the 177th selection in the 2023 NFL draft to number one in the rookie record books, and just won best catch at the Pro Bowl. That's reason enough for us all to be talking about Nacua, but it's something he did off the field that's garnering a lot of attention. Nacua recently partnered with USAA to give a veteran the surprise of a lifetime: Super Bowl tickets for two.

James (Jim) Sullivan served in the United States Air Force supporting supply and logistics for 23 years (1978 – 2001), retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his two-decade military career, Sullivan was stationed at multiple installations throughout the United States, as well as assignments in Greece and Germany, where he oversaw warehouse designs, contracting, and logistics operations. A few highlights of his decorated service career include being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Airman of the Year. 

Sullivan is a lifelong NFL fan, and his favorite team is the Los Angeles Rams fan. He currently lives in Sacramento, where he is actively involved with the Non-Commissioned Officers Association of America (NCOA) and works in the private sector for Aerojet Rocketdyne. Sullivan plans to bring his close friend, fellow Rams fan and Air Force veteran, Master Sergeant (retired) Michael Grabow, with him to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas where they will both meet Rams’ star Wide Receiver, Puka Nacua, before going to the game. 

We caught up with Nacua at the USAA Salute to Service Lounge at this year's Super Bowl Experience to find out what this opportunity has meant to him: