Puka Nacua Says Rehab Changed His Perspective as Legal Battle Continues

Puka Nacua opened up about his time in rehab and came out as a better man.

Puka Nacua Says Rehab Changed His Perspective as Legal Battle Continues

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Puka Nacua credits rehab for a positive change in his life and perspective.
  • He faces a legal battle following controversial remarks made earlier this year.
  • Nacua is entering the final year of his contract with the Rams, aiming for a significant extension.

Puka Nacua is a changed man since entering rehab back in April. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver shared his epiphany with the LA media on the first day of the OTAs.

In the midst of a historic 2025-26 season, Nacua generated buzz for all the wrong reasons for using anti-semitic remarks at a nightclub on the eve of the New Year. Soon, a lawsuit was filed against the third-year wideout.

After the Rams’ season ended with a defeat in the NFC Championship game, Nacua announced that he was checking into rehab. That said, he did not skip the earlier training sessions, and on Thursday, was among the first ones to show up at the facility for the start of the OTAs.

Speaking with reporters, Nacua shared what he learned in rehab. He began by thanking the front office for its understanding of his situation.

I’ve been really grateful for the support from the organization, especially my teammates. Some of the things I feel like I’ve learned [that] it’s OK to ask for support and then to recognize the platform that I have and being a professional football player and trying to use that for the betterment of myself and for those around me. There’s been a lot of good things in the midst of some of these things that have been challenging for me, but it’s been a great improvement in my life.

Puka Nacua said via Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated
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Analyst urges the Rams to make their future secure by adding in-demand receiver alongside Puka Nacua

Nacua is entering the fourth year and final year of his contract. During that time, he established himself among the better receivers in the league. In 44 games, Nacua has caught 313 passes for 4191 yards and scored 19 touchdowns.

Puka Nacua Says Rehab Changed His Perspective as Legal Battle Continues
Puka Nacua (Image via IMAGO)

Nacua will get a big extension soon enough, but the Rams must make him swear that he’s going to stay out of trouble and avoid starting unnecessary media frenzy. Moreover, Davante Adams, 33, has only one year remaining on his contract, making his future at the club uncertain after the 2026 season. If Nacua logs another 1200+ receiving yards season, then he will be the de facto WR1 in LA.

Adams isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. But depending on his age, he is likely to hit a wall soon enough. That’s why Dawson Knox of Bleacher Report wants Sean McVay and Les Snead to trade for AJ Brown.

It wouldn’t hurt to add one who can play long-term, as Adams is entering a contract year. And the Rams have reportedly tried to make that addition.

Knox wrote in his report

If Brown seems unattainable, then the Rams can also chase after Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, or DeAndre Hopkins.

How was the Rams’ 2025 season?

The Rams entered the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the NFC crown and play in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Matthew Stafford went nuclear. The veteran signal caller led the league in passing yards (4707) and touchdowns (46) on 388 completions (65%).

In the playoffs, Stafford threw 66 completions for 936 yards and scored 6 touchdowns, and gave up one pick. The Rams were knocked out in the conference title game by rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.

For the 2026 season, the Rams have drawn the 13th toughest schedule. They will play against teams with a combined win and loss record of 148-139-2 (0.516).

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