Puka Nacua, who led the NFL in receptions during the 2025 season and helped the Los Angeles Rams reach the NFC Championship Game, has recently become the focus of controversy. Following Super Bowl LX, a video surfaced showing the two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl wide receiver dancing while intoxicated on the streets of Santa Clara, California, drawing widespread criticism.
Nacua had already faced backlash after appearing to downplay his division rival Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl victory. The release of the drunken dancing clip only intensified the negative responses from fans and commentators.
Congratulatory Message to Former Teammate Amid Criticism
Despite the criticism surrounding his post-game actions, Nacua offered support to his former teammate Cooper Kupp by sending a congratulatory message following the season. This contrasted with some of the harsher reactions from others in the NFL community.
Nacua’s Insight on Stafford’s MVP Award
The week following the NFL season brought some positive moments for Nacua. At the NFL Honors event on Thursday, his quarterback Matthew Stafford received the MVP award for leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns. During an appearance on Pat McAfee’s show, Nacua reflected on the moment:
“I wouldn’t say everybody knew. I hope he didn’t tell everybody, I wanted to feel special. I thought the conversation we had was just between me and him, but who knows.”
He added about Stafford:
“Matthew is the absolute best. I knew he was coming back, and I still almost did a front flip in front of my mom. It was too awesome.”
Practicing with Davante Adams Motivated Nacua
In the same podcast, Nacua shared his experience practicing alongside Davante Adams, who finished the season with a league-high 14 receiving touchdowns. Describing a moment during a practice in April, he said:
“We were in April, and I’m standing on the 40 yard line. I’m right behind No. 17. He is running a stop route. The ground is shaking as he stops. He is 20 yards away from me. Then boom, boom, boom, transition, out of the break, three steps, technique, sound, crisp. And it is April, and I am like, I gotta be better. I got so much to work on.”
Looking Ahead to the New NFL Season
As the NFL prepares for a new league year beginning March 11, Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams are working toward building on last season’s accomplishments. Although the controversial Super Bowl aftermath has drawn the most public attention recently, Nacua’s focus remains on improving his performance alongside key teammates like Stafford and Adams.
Puka Nacua was WASTED last night 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/jPUrIjQ5i4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 9, 2026
"I don't think everybody knew Matthew Stafford was coming back..
I thought that conversation was just between me and him" 😂😂 ~ @AsapPuka #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/XjzGaRk28N
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 6, 2026
"Davante Adams is so sound and so crisp..
We're always on the same page and I'm so thankful for him" ~ @AsapPuka #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VMAXkB3C80
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 6, 2026
