Published • loading... • Updated
'Drowning Myself': Puka Nacua Opens up About Struggles with Alcohol
Puka Nacua said alcohol helped him cope with stardom as the Rams receiver entered rehab and contract talks remained on hold.
- On Thursday, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua sat down with Netflix's Elle Duncan to discuss his recent off-field struggles with alcohol. He remains "very confident" about his future with the organization.
- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported this is a "crucial" season for Nacua, who is outplaying his four-year, $4.1 million rookie deal. Spotrac projects his market value at $40.2 million annually, suggesting a $160.8 million pact.
- The Rams have halted new business with current players, including for Nacua, as Fowler noted the team's focus on Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and Trent McDuffie. Extensions before Week 1 are unlikely.
- Nacua told Duncan he checked into a private rehabilitation facility to address stress and alcohol use. "I was able to have open and honest conversations," he said about his recovery.
- While the league reviews a lawsuit involving Nacua, analysts believe he is capable of an offensive player of the year campaign playing alongside Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams this season.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
11 Articles
11 Articles
'Drowning myself': Puka Nacua opens up about struggles with alcohol
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A Los Angeles Rams helmet during warm-ups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesThe Los Angeles Rams, the heavy Super Bowl favorites entering the season, opened the year in the NFL’s first-ever game in Melbourne, Australia, against the San Francisco 49ers. The majority of the attention the Rams have gotten this offseason has been cent…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
14%
C 72%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
