Rams receiver Puka Nacua discusses rehab stint ahead of NFL game in Australia

Before the Los Angeles Rams played the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, the team’s 25-year-old receiver opened up to Netflix host Elle Duncan about his recent stay in an alcohol-rehab facility. The interview, described by Duncan as an exploration of a “pretty complicated offseason and what comes next,” covered Nacua’s struggle with stress, his avoidance of conflict, and his new role as a father.

Nacua said he turned to alcohol to cope with the pressures of sudden fame and the responsibilities of parenthood, noting that he often isolated himself rather than seeking help. He explained that entering rehab allowed him to have “open and honest conversations” and to confront the issues he had been avoiding.

“I learned I’m very avoidant of conflict… I would kind of isolate myself to feel like the weight of all the issues… I was never one to share my fears or my worries,” he told Duncan.

He added that a therapist suggested he use journaling to give unfinished vivid dreams a personal ending, a practice he hopes will help him model healthier coping strategies for his infant son.

“I’m looking forward most to becoming a person that I think my son will be proud of,” Nacua said. “These are the darkest times that I’ve had in my life, and as my son gets older, I can share with him some of the things I learned from the mistakes that I’ve made.”

Nacua’s attorney had previously confirmed that the player had been in rehab for a “substantial period of time” and would remain there for a while longer. Co-host Michael Irvin, who also discussed his own past substance-abuse issues, emphasized the link between personal growth and professional performance.

The conversation highlighted Nacua’s intention to use his recovery experience to become a better father and teammate as the Rams continue their season abroad.