Puka Nacua Joins Growing Chorus of NFL Stars Frustrated with Officiating
Rams WR Puka Nacua on NFL referees on Adin Ross’ stream:
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) December 17, 2025
“The refs are the worst. These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you just saw me on Sunday Night Football. That wasn’t PI but I called it.’” pic.twitter.com/roNonieP0d
The NFL’s officiating drama just added another voice to the conversation-this time from one of the league’s breakout stars. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua didn’t hold back during a recent livestream with Adin Ross and N3on, calling out what he sees as a growing problem with how games are being officiated.
“The refs are the worst,” Nacua said bluntly, before diving into a more pointed critique. “Some of the rules aren’t… These guys are lawyers.
They want to be on TV too. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on Sunday Night Football.
That wasn’t PI, but I called it.’”
It’s the kind of raw, unfiltered honesty that reflects what a lot of players-and fans-have been feeling this season. And Nacua’s not alone.
From quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield to seasoned analysts like Troy Aikman and Gene Steratore, criticism of NFL officiating has reached a fever pitch. This isn’t just about a few missed calls-it’s about trust in the integrity of the game.
When asked point-blank if he believes refs are calling pass interference when it didn’t actually happen, Nacua kept it real: “I mean, these guys are normal human beings too, bro.”
That human element-while understandable-has led to some very real consequences on the field. Ironically, one of the most controversial calls from this past weekend benefitted Nacua’s own team.
Rams tight end Colby Parkinson was awarded a touchdown in the team’s 41-34 win over the Lions, despite replays showing he appeared well short of the goal line. The play stood, and the Rams walked away with a critical victory.
But Nacua’s comments aren’t just sour grapes or a reaction to a single play. They tap into a broader frustration that’s been simmering all year long.
From that questionable Parkinson touchdown to the league admitting it blew an unnecessary roughness call that hurt the Ravens, to a reversed catch by Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan-these aren’t just isolated moments. They’re game-altering decisions that are shaping playoff races and, in some cases, rewriting team narratives.
Officiating has always been part of the NFL’s story. But this season, it feels like it’s becoming the story. And when players like Nacua-young, emerging stars with a growing platform-start speaking out, it’s a sign the league may need to take a hard look at how it trains, evaluates, and holds its officials accountable.
Because at the end of the day, blown calls don’t just frustrate players-they impact legacies, livelihoods, and the outcomes of games that fans invest in week after week.
HUH??? Refs ruled this a Rams touchdown instead of putting the ball down on the 1 yard line where Parkinson's knee was down... pic.twitter.com/vYa5VWAHzU
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 14, 2025