Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua drew a comparison between Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Both athletes, according to Nacua, share a common sentiment of dissatisfaction with their current teams but continue to perform at elite levels through the 2025 NFL season.
Nacua remarked on the players’ apparent ambivalence toward their teams while maintaining their on-field excellence.
“It’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be here.’ And then, ‘Hey, look, I’m back, guys,’”
he stated.
This observation aligns with the situations facing both Antetokounmpo and Garrett. Antetokounmpo has expressed frustration with the Milwaukee Bucks following the departure of fellow star Damian Lillard, fueling ongoing trade speculation. Despite this unrest, he remains committed to competing for the Bucks. Similarly, Garrett requested a trade from the Browns earlier in 2025, but the team refused, emphasizing his significance to their future plans. Subsequently, Garrett secured a four-year extension worth approximately $160 million, including a no-trade clause. Despite concerns over the Browns’ competitiveness, Garrett produced a historic 2025 campaign, breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record with 23 and unanimously winning the AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
Exceptional Seasons Earn Both Players Unanimous All-Pro Honors
Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett both achieved tremendous success in the 2025 season, earning Unanimous All-Pro distinctions. Nacua led the league in receptions with 129 and ranked second in receiving yards, accumulating 1,715. He caught 10 touchdown passes and averaged 107.2 yards per game, serving as the primary target for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. This strong connection helped propel the Rams to the NFC Championship game, where they eventually fell to Sam Darnold’s Seattle Seahawks.
Myles Garrett had a dominant season on defense, registering a league-high 23 sacks and topping the NFL with 33 tackles for loss. He reached a career best with 60 total tackles, including 39 hits on opposing quarterbacks, and forced three fumbles. These efforts contributed significantly to the Browns’ defensive performance despite the team’s ongoing challenges and missed trade demands.
Uncertainties Remain Over Future Team Moves and Championship Prospects
Both Antetokounmpo and Garrett face uncertain futures regarding their team’s competitiveness and potential roster changes. While Garrett remains with the Browns after his contract extension despite expressing dissatisfaction, Antetokounmpo’s status with the Bucks is less certain amid continuous trade rumors. Whether either athlete can guide their respective teams to championship contention remains a key storyline going forward.
Puka Nacua says Myles Garrett is the NFL’s equivalent of Giannis Antetokounmpo:
“It’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be here.’ And then, ‘Hey, look, I’m back, guys.’”
(🎥 @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/JzP3afnn8I
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2026
