Rams receiver Puka Nacua discusses alcohol use and rehab amid off-field controversies

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua told Netflix host Elle Duncan that he turned to alcohol to cope with the pressures of rapid NFL success and new fatherhood, leading him to enter a rehabilitation program in March. Nacua, a 2023 fifth-round pick from BYU who now leads the league in receptions, said the demands of being a public figure, performing at a high level and co-parenting his young son created tension he tried to escape.

"I was never one to share my fears, my worries. I was always finding different ways to escape from that tension, that stress. I think one, 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.

The player has been involved in several off-field incidents, including an apology in December for a gesture on a livestream described as antisemitic and a pending lawsuit alleging an antisemitic remark and a physical altercation. He played Thursday’s game in Melbourne, recording five receptions for 74 yards in a 27-7 loss, but could still face NFL disciplinary action.

Nacua said his time in rehab allowed him to have “open and honest conversations” and that he now looks forward to becoming a person his son can be proud of, hoping to share lessons learned from past mistakes.