Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua doesn’t just bring intensity to the field - he brings it to the mic, too. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the All-Pro wideout didn’t hold back when the conversation turned to two of the most dominant athletes in sports today: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Garrett.
“They’re like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be here.’ And then, ‘Hey, look, I’m back, guys,’” Nacua said, calling out what he sees as a wavering commitment from both stars. It was a pointed comment - one that suggests Nacua views their public back-and-forths with their teams as inconsistent, if not outright fickle.
Let’s unpack that, starting with Garrett. The Browns’ defensive cornerstone just secured his second Defensive Player of the Year award - and did so unanimously.
That’s not just dominance; that’s a statement. Garrett has been a force of nature off the edge, and his production continues to speak volumes.
But as Nacua hinted, the journey hasn’t been without drama.
Rewind to last February: Garrett reportedly requested a trade, frustrated by the Browns’ inability to break through and compete for a Super Bowl. A month later, he inked a four-year, $160 million extension.
That’s not just a change of heart - that’s a full 180. And while some may question the sudden shift, it’s clear Garrett still burns to win.
The Browns gave him the bag, and in return, he’s stayed loyal - at least for now.
Puka Nacua says Myles Garrett is the NFL’s equivalent of Giannis Antetokounmpo:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2026
“It’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be here.’ And then, ‘Hey, look, I’m back, guys.’”
(🎥 @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/JzP3afnn8I
But loyalty doesn’t erase frustration. Cleveland’s offense ranked 31st in scoring this past season, averaging just 16.4 points per game.
That kind of output puts an enormous burden on the defense - and on Garrett in particular. He’s in the heart of his prime, a future Hall of Famer whose individual brilliance is being overshadowed by a team that can’t seem to get over the hump.
The question now is whether Garrett will use his growing influence to push the front office into action this offseason, whether through free agency or the draft. Because if the Browns don’t start capitalizing on their generational talent, time will run out.
Meanwhile, Garrett has other things on his mind - namely, supporting his partner, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, as she competes for another gold medal at the Winter Games. But don’t be surprised if Nacua’s comments eventually make their way back to him. He’s not the type to let a slight go unnoticed.
Now, let’s talk Giannis.
Unlike Garrett, Antetokounmpo has never publicly asked out. In fact, he’s consistently voiced his love for Milwaukee and his desire to win there.
But behind the scenes, it seems there’s been some movement. According to reporting, the Bucks explored trade possibilities involving their franchise cornerstone ahead of the deadline.
That’s not nothing - even if Giannis ultimately stayed put and showed no signs of discontent once the dust settled.
In classic Giannis fashion, he responded with humor and subtlety, posting the iconic “I’m not leaving!” scene from The Wolf of Wall Street. It was a nod to the rumors, a wink to the fans, and a reminder that he’s still all-in - at least for now.
But the situation is murky. The Bucks are trying to navigate the back half of Giannis’ prime, and the pressure to keep him happy - and contending - is very real.
He’s a seven-time All-NBA First Teamer, a Finals MVP, and one of the most physically dominant players the league has ever seen. You don’t get many chances with a player like that.
Milwaukee already cashed in once with a championship. But if they want to keep him, the front office will need to keep surrounding him with the right pieces.
Standing pat isn’t an option.
What’s fascinating is that both Giannis and Garrett are tied together in a way most fans might not realize: the Haslam family holds majority ownership stakes in both the Browns and the Bucks. That’s a rare cross-sport connection - and one that raises the stakes for both franchises.
If Cleveland and Milwaukee want to keep their superstars happy - and in town - they’ll need to do more than just write big checks. They’ll need to build winners. Because while Nacua’s comments may have ruffled feathers, they also tapped into a deeper truth: for athletes of this caliber, loyalty is earned - and winning is the best way to keep it.