Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
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Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field after a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is never shy about saying what is on his mind, and that is not always received well.
He is heading into a critical offseason after leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards (regular and postseason combined). Moreover, he could secure his long-term future with the Rams. However, self-inflicted distractions have been a frequent occurrence.
Nacua took a pair of swipes at once with his recent remarks.
Rams’ Puka Nacua Causes Stir With Latest Comments
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks onstage during Solo Stove’s Squash The Beef Showdown at the Players Tailgate.
Nacua has been a polarizing figure, both for his comments and actions this season. The two-time Pro Bowler has been outspoken about officials, his personal life, and, most recently, his least favorite opponent.
He got an opportunity to express his thoughts about the latter following the Super Bowl.
The Rams’ NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, won, defeating the New England Patriots in a one-sided affair. That may or may not have played a role in Nacua’s sentiments.
“I don’t like giving the Seahawks extra new motivation,” Nacua said in a clip shared by “The Arena: Gridiron” on X on February 11, adding, “And they’re not that good, actually,” before saying, “I’m trash talking. I’m trash talking.
“Maybe it is the Seahawks.”
Nacua caught flak for his remarks from some Seahawks fans, some of whom accused the Rams star of being low-IQ and corny. Others noted he admitted to talking trash.
Nacua is not the only Rams player to speak on their dislike of the Seahawks. Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse offered a more earnest take, saying there were no players on the Seahawks that he liked.
Rams safety Quentin Lake noted he did not hate the Seahawks as much as other rivals.
Nacua’s comments stand out for the most high-profile player among the three, and the one who has been most vocally involved in the current back-and-forth.
Former Rams LB Ernest Jones Doubles Down
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown reception during the NFC championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Nacua drew the ire of Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who took issue with his former Rams teammate’s remarks about Seattle’s Sam Darnold during the Super Bowl. Jones was drafted by the Rams and played for them through the 2023 season, Nacua’s rookie year.
Fans later cleared the air for Nacua, but Jones doubled down on his sentiments about his teammates.
Jones called the interaction “crazy” amid the congratulations of winning the Super Bowl.
“One thing about me, and I’m going stand on this, don’t say nothing about my teammates. Nothing. And then, you talk about my quarterback. I’m not going for it,” Jones said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on February 10.
“I’m the ultimate teammate. Don’t say nothing about my guys, like I said. So, of course I had to respond to a old teammate of mine.”
Puka Nacua Shouts Out Ad Partner While Dissing Rival
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following practice at Rams’ Organized Team Activities.
Nacua was not done with his dislike list, also throwing shade at another one of the Rams’ division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.
“I don’t like the color red either,” Nacua said, adding, “but I do like Fred Warner.”
Nacua and Warner have worked together pitching credit and subscription services for Experian under the theme of “financial BFFs.” Notably, Lake selected the 49ers as his most disliked team compared to the Seahawks, with the Rams’ safety more diplomatic than Nacua and Verse.