During Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, wide receiver Puka Nacua stirred controversy by seemingly mocking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold on social media. The 24-year-old player had previously criticized Los Angeles Rams supporters for lackluster attendance at home games and now appeared to direct some online shade at Darnold, shortly after the Seahawks secured their championship win on February 9, 2026.
On his X account, Nacua posted just Darnold’s name followed by a crying emoji, which many interpreted as a jab at the quarterback’s performance.
Reactions to Nacua’s Social Media Commentary on Darnold
Emmanuel Acho, a well-known NFL analyst, publicly condemned Nacua’s post, urging the wideout to give Sam Darnold proper respect. Acho noted the irony in Nacua’s apparent mockery, since Darnold had beaten Nacua’s Rams in the NFC Championship game before going on to win the Super Bowl.
Puka needs to chill out and give Sam Darnold his RESPECT!
Acho wrote on X.
Sam Darnold beat Puka and then won a Super Bowl, what the heck Puka laughing for?!
Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks reached the Super Bowl after their victory over the Rams on January 25, 2026. In that NFC Championship game, Darnold delivered an impressive performance, contrasting with his more subdued statistics in the final contest against New England, where he completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown in the Seahawks’ 29-13 win.
Nacua Shows Appreciation for Teammate Cooper Kupp Amid Taunts
Despite the ongoing back-and-forth attention on Darnold, Nacua expressed admiration for his former teammate Cooper Kupp during Super Bowl Sunday. He enthusiastically posted “Cooooooop” on X and shared an image highlighting Kupp’s achievement of becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion, signaling respect amid the tension surrounding his other comments.
Background: Seahawks’ Road to the Super Bowl and the Role of Social Media
The Seahawks’ journey to the Super Bowl included a significant win over the Los Angeles Rams, a team that houses Puka Nacua. Nacua’s social media activity during this period drew scrutiny not only because of his comments about the Rams’ fanbase but also due to his pointed message regarding Darnold. This highlighted the increasing role of platforms like X in amplifying player interactions and off-field narratives during major sporting events.
Significance of Nacua’s Remarks and Future Implications
Puka Nacua’s public posts reflect the heightened emotions and competitive spirit that often accompany the Super Bowl, extending beyond just the game itself to include personal gestures on social media. His apparent jab at Sam Darnold, a pivotal player in the Seahawks’ championship run, adds another layer to the intense rivalry between teams like the Rams and Seahawks. Moving forward, this online tension may fuel further verbal exchanges and fan reactions, especially as both players and teams prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
Meanwhile, Nacua’s recognition of Cooper Kupp suggests that amid competitive rivalry and social media clashes, professional respect for teammates and former colleagues remains an important aspect of relationships within the league.
Puka needs to chill out and give Sam Darnold his RESPECT! Sam Darnold beat Puka and then won a Super Bowl, what the heck Puka laughing for?!
SPEAKEASY IS LIVE NOW AND COOKING!! Y’all better hit the link below asap! https://t.co/pcYR6yA3st
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) February 9, 2026
https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/2020701079449604325
