Ex-NFL Guard Issues Stern Warning to Rams Star Puka Nacua
LA Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has found himself in the spotlight once again, this time for off-field behavior that is drawing sharp criticism from a former NFL player. Following a video that surfaced after Super Bowl LX showing Nacua stumbling and dancing in a San Francisco street before entering a black SUV, fans speculated he was intoxicated after the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Richie Incognito Questions Nacua's Maturity
Former Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito recently appeared on Jason Whitlock's "Fearless" podcast to address the incident. Incognito used the opportunity to question how Nacua is handling his sudden rise to fame, cautioning that the same cameras that celebrate his on-field achievements could now jeopardize his financial future.
"Puka needs to grow up," Incognito stated bluntly. "You have to come to the understanding that this is hurting the brand. This is gonna come up in the next contract negotiation." He acknowledged Nacua's potential, saying, "I believe, at his core, he's a good dude. He's just a young guy, and you have to understand that these athletes are motivated differently now." Incognito added that today's players are often thrust into the spotlight with a focus on streaming and social media, noting, "Everybody is TMZ nowadays."
Nacua's On-Field Success and Off-Field Controversies
This warning carries significant weight for Nacua, a fifth-round pick who has already outperformed his rookie contract. In the 2025 season, he posted impressive stats with 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on a league-leading 129 catches. He further contributed 332 yards and two scores in the playoffs, helping the Rams reach the NFC Championship Game before losing to Seattle.
However, the Super Bowl street clip is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the week, Nacua revisited his viral tweet to actor Sydney Sweeney on the "Up & Adams" show. When host Kay Adams asked if he regretted replying "Love skydiving" to Sweeney's comments about her ideal partner, Nacua doubled down, saying, "No, not at all. My awareness skills were at zero. I don't regret it at all." He even extended an invitation to the Rams' front office and indirectly to Sweeney for a skydiving trip in Maui.
On the football front, Nacua stirred controversy during Super Bowl LX by posting Sam Darnold's name with a laughing emoji on X as the quarterback struggled. This prompted a response from linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who quote-posted Nacua with, "Ain't you at home. Goofy (expletive)."
The Bigger Picture for Nacua's Career
Despite these off-field distractions, Nacua remains one of the NFL's most productive young receivers. Incognito suggested that Rams coach Sean McVay is the ideal mentor for him, but the key question remains: will the league prioritize his on-field records and routes, or will his off-field antics—like the drunk clip, Sydney Sweeney tweet, and online jabs—dominate discussions when it's time for contract renewals?
As Nacua navigates his burgeoning career, the balance between personal expression and professional responsibility will be crucial. Incognito's comments highlight a growing concern in professional sports about how athletes manage their public image in the digital age, where every moment can be captured and scrutinized.
