Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was front and center for the delivery of his newborn son Kingston this week, holding his girlfriend Hallie Aiono’s hand through labor in a show of solidarity despite an ongoing court battle over paternity.
Aiono, 24, shared a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday featuring a video montage of the hospital room moment: Nacua, dressed in scrubs, gripping her hand tightly as she pushed, followed by tender shots of him cradling the bundled infant.
“I prayed for this day, the day I finally got to meet you,” Aiono captioned the images. “There has never been a doubt of who you are and what you mean to us. And now you’re here, proof that even in the hardest seasons, miracles still find their way.”
Nacua, who commented “Proud of you hal! Welcome king ❤️🩹” under the post, appeared fully committed in the photos, beaming as he bonded with Kingston — a stark contrast to the legal tensions that surfaced earlier this year.
The couple’s journey to parenthood hit turbulence in June when Aiono filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 16 to formally establish Nacua as the father. She sought joint legal custody but full physical custody for herself, limited visitation rights for Nacua and financial support covering pregnancy expenses, attorney fees and child support.
Nacua responded by acknowledging his parental role but requesting genetic testing to confirm paternity, leaving the case unresolved as Kingston arrived.
Their relationship, public since 2022, faced breakup rumors after Nacua said on a March podcast he wasn’t ready for marriage, prioritizing a Super Bowl run. Aiono announced the pregnancy in May, but the split speculation intensified amid the filings.
Yet, the birth photos paint a picture of reconciliation — or at least amicable co-parenting. Aiono followed up with Instagram Stories gushing, “You are worth everything that has been and what’s to come,” and “Been the best week of my life.”
Nacua, sidelined by an ankle injury from Week 6, missed the Rams’ Week 7 game and enjoyed the Week 8 bye. He’s expected back for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints, potentially with fatherhood fueling his return.
Neither has publicly addressed the court drama directly, but Nacua’s presence at the birth speaks volumes: Family first, even when the playbook gets complicated.
Flip the pages for photos of Hallie Aiono.
