Puka Nacua Faces Spotlight On and Off the Field as Rams Gear Up for Final Stretch
It’s been a whirlwind week for Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua - and not just because of what he’s doing between the lines.
The standout rookie found himself at the center of controversy after making an antisemitic gesture during a livestream appearance with internet personalities Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafiq. Nacua issued an apology earlier Thursday, acknowledging the misstep, but the spotlight didn’t fade. Hours later, following the Rams’ heartbreaker of a 38-37 overtime loss to the Seahawks, Nacua drew more attention with a now-deleted social media post that appeared to criticize the officiating.
It’s the kind of week that tests a player’s maturity, focus, and ability to handle the weight of NFL stardom - especially for someone who, not long ago, was flying under the radar.
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho weighed in on Nacua’s evolution during an appearance on the Speakeasy show. Acho, who’s known for his candid takes, reflected on how much has changed since the Rams drafted Nacua in 2023.
“Puka came in as this uber, humble, hard-working, no trouble, no drama, on or off the field,” Acho said. “He was just quiet; second fiddle to Cooper Kupp, was going to do his work. He was kind of that janitor player... 12-24 months and Puka done changed up.”
Acho pointed to the recent off-field headlines as signs that Nacua may be wrestling with the growing pains of NFL stardom.
“He got drama off the field... It is hitting the timeline, hitting TMZ,” Acho continued.
“Relationally... I just think we're watching Puka deal with success.
And on the outside in, it looks like it's getting to his head.”
Still Dominating Between the Lines
Off-field noise aside, Nacua’s performance on the field is impossible to ignore. He’s been a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense all season, racking up 1,592 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 receptions. That kind of production isn’t just impressive - it’s elite, especially for a player in just his second season.
And if anyone needed a reminder of what Nacua can do when he’s locked in, they got it Thursday night. Against Seattle, he torched the Seahawks secondary for 225 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches. It was a performance that nearly carried the Rams to a comeback win and further cemented his status as one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.
Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus
Despite the loss, the Rams are playoff-bound - currently sitting at 11-4 and second in the NFC West behind the 12-3 Seahawks. But the division isn’t out of reach just yet.
With two games left on the schedule, including a Week 17 showdown against the Atlanta Falcons, L.A. still has a path to the top of the division. It’ll take a little help and two wins to close out the regular season, but the pressure is on - and this Rams team has shown it can rise to the occasion.
That next test comes on Dec. 29, when they travel to Atlanta for a primetime matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
What Comes Next for Nacua
There’s no denying the duality of Puka Nacua’s season. On one hand, he’s been a breakout star - a player who’s gone from a mid-round pick to a top-tier wideout in just two seasons. On the other, he’s now navigating the scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight, both for his play and his actions off the field.
For the Rams, the hope is that Nacua can channel the same focus and fire he brings to game day into how he carries himself off it. Because if he does, there’s no telling just how high his ceiling can go - both in the postseason and beyond.