Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho voiced his concerns about Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua’s behavior during an episode of his late-night show, The Speak Easy, following a viral video that showed Nacua appearing intoxicated on the street after the recent Super Bowl. Acho emphasized that his worries are not about this single moment but rather a series of troubling incidents over the past two months.
During his conversation with co-host LeSean McCoy, Acho outlined a pattern involving multiple episodes, including an accusation involving Nacua’s brother and a Lakers player’s vehicle, a dispute with a fan at a USFL game, and comments Nacua issued an apology for after being criticized for anti-Semitic implications.
Acho also referred to an incident where Nacua invited unauthorized individuals into the Rams’ team facility, an infraction that was overshadowed by his exceptional 225-yard game performance.
Being drunk outside of a car, isolated incident, not an issue,
Acho said.
But then when you think about what has surrounded Puka over the last two months, gigantic issue. Because Puka ain’t got his paper yet, you are your circle, and you cannot go any higher than your circle.
Acho continued to stress the importance of monitoring Nacua’s off-field actions, saying,
“We gotta watch Puka… We are seeing these behavioral issues and if they don’t get addressed… I have questions.”
These remarks came amid widespread discussion of the viral video showing Nacua visibly inebriated on a public street.
LeSean McCoy Offers a Measured Response to Off-Field Concerns
In response to Acho’s alarm, LeSean McCoy expressed a more measured viewpoint, suggesting the situation should not be overblown. He characterized the incident as typical behavior for a young athlete and refrained from linking it to the prior episodes Acho cited.
Acho reiterated his stance, emphasizing the deeper issues at play.
We are seeing the puddle with Puka. Money doesn’t change you, money just makes you more of who you are,
he remarked.
We are seeing the issues behavioral that I’m like, hey, if these don’t get addressed right now, given his circle, I got questions.
Outstanding On-Field Success Contrasts with Off-Field Challenges
Despite the off-field concerns, Acho acknowledged Nacua’s impressive performance on the field, calling him
“one of the best in the league.”
Indeed, Nacua’s 2025 season was exceptional, with the receiver ranking first in the NFL according to PFSN’s WR Impact metric, earning a rare A+ tier score of 98.2. He led all players with 129 receptions and was the primary offensive weapon for the Rams throughout the year.
His remarkable production kept him in consideration for Offensive Player of the Year honors and underscored the franchise’s commitment to him as a cornerstone of their future.
Seattle Seahawks React to Nacua’s Controversial Social Media Post
Tensions further increased following Nacua’s late-game social media post during the Seattle Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. The post displayed a crying emoji alongside the name of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, widely interpreted as belittling the player who had led Seattle through an undefeated postseason run.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV responded swiftly after the game, advising Nacua to concentrate on his own offseason instead. Jones had previously defended Darnold throughout the year and maintained his support following the team’s championship success.
The Seahawks had an impressive 14-3 regular-season record, secured the NFC’s top seed, and notably avoided any turnovers during their playoff matches.
Potential Implications of Nacua’s Actions on His Career
The growing scrutiny of Puka Nacua’s behavior outside the stadium arrives at a critical juncture for the talented wide receiver, whose on-field excellence contrasts sharply with these off-field issues. With his status as a franchise leader for the Rams, how these concerns are addressed could influence his future opportunities and reputation within the league.
Emmanuel Acho’s warnings underline the urgency of addressing off-field conduct before it potentially hampers Nacua’s trajectory, signaling that the Rams organization and its management circle may need to take a closer look at his personal environment and choices. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether Puka Nacua can realign his off-field habits with the promise he displays every week on the gridiron.
"We gotta watch Puka… We are seeing these behavioral issues and if they don't get addressed… I have questions."
– @EmmanuelAcho weighs in on a recent viral video of Puka Nacua inebriated in the middle of the street
HORNETS/PISTONS MELEE ➡️ https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/i5goCme371
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) February 10, 2026
