Puka Nacua breaks silence on alcohol and rehab as Rams star reflects on his “darkest times”
Puka Nacua Discusses Personal Struggles Ahead of NFL Season Opener
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has revealed his battle with personal issues and alcohol use in a recent interview with Elle Duncan on Netflix. The 25-year-old athlete, who experienced a rapid ascent in the NFL, shared that the pressures of becoming a father and the challenges of his newfound fame became overwhelming at times.
Nacua’s comments came just before the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. He admitted to often internalizing his fears and worries rather than seeking help. “I was never one to share my fears, my worries… I was always finding different ways to escape from that tension, that stress,” he stated.
In response to these challenges, Nacua entered a holistic care facility during the offseason, which he credits with helping him initiate positive changes in his life. He acknowledged that his transition from a fifth-round pick out of BYU to one of the NFL’s top receivers brought unexpected pressure that he was not always ready to handle.
The Rams drafted Nacua with the 177th pick in 2023. In 2025, he led the NFL with 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to Reuters. NFL.com reported that Nacua’s stay began before the lawsuit was filed.
His attorney, Levi McCathern, said Nacua had entered the program voluntarily and that the decision was focused on his personal well-being. The receiver has since said that asking for help was an important step. In May, the Associated Press, published by NFL.com, reported that Nacua described his rehab stay as a “short stint” and said he continued working with a team therapist afterward. “I’m looking forward most to becoming a person that I think my son will be proud of … and as my son gets older, I can share some of the things that I’ve learned from the mistakes I’ve made,” Nacua said.
Nacua entered a holistic care facility during the offseason, before a woman filed a civil lawsuit against him in March.
Since then, he has quickly become one of the team’s biggest offensive stars.