Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua spoke candidly about his personal challenges in a Netflix interview that aired Thursday, just before the Rams’ season‑opening game against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Rehab and confronting alcohol use
Nacua, 25, described how he turned to alcohol as a way to “drown” himself in order to avoid dealing with stress and tension. “Alcohol was definitely a thing for me. Just kind of drowning myself so that the issues and the stress that I was feeling never had the opportunity to be addressed,” he said.
He added that entering a rehabilitation center allowed him to have “open and honest conversations” about his struggles, marking a turning point in his recovery journey.
Pressure of the spotlight and new fatherhood
The Rams star linked his low point to several recent life changes: the demands of being a public figure, the pressure to perform at a high level, and the responsibilities of becoming a father. “My son is 10 months old, and navigating that co‑parenting relationship with his mother, I would kind of isolate myself to feel like the weight of all the issues and things that I have was stuck on my shoulders, and not being willing to ask for help,” Nacua explained.
On‑field performance
Despite his off‑field challenges, Nacua’s on‑field production remains elite. Last season he led the NFL with 129 receptions, amassed 1,715 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns over 16 games, earning All‑Pro honors.
Through his first three NFL seasons, he has compiled 313 catches for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Controversies and legal matters
The interview also touched on several off‑field controversies that have surrounded Nacua. In December, he appeared in a livestream where a simulated touchdown celebration was perceived to contain an antisemitic undertone. Nacua later apologized, stating he “had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature.”
Additionally, a civil lawsuit was filed by Madison Atiabi, who alleges Nacua bit her on the shoulder at a dinner party after he allegedly shouted a profanity directed at Jews. Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied that any such remark was made and characterized the incident as “horseplay.”
Looking ahead
As the Rams prepare for their first game of the 2026 season overseas, Nacua hopes his openness about personal struggles will encourage others to seek help when needed. He emphasized that the rehabilitation experience has given him tools to manage stress without resorting to alcohol.
“I’m learning to face the issues head‑on and to ask for help when I need it,” Nacua said. “That’s the best thing I can do for my family and for the team.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
