Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua discusses past alcohol struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 1:49 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua addressed his personal struggles with alcohol in a recent interview with Netflix ahead of the team's season opener. Nacua described using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the pressures of professional football and challenges in his personal life, including co-parenting his 10-month-old son. He noted that he began isolating himself while attempting to manage stress and conflict on his own. After entering a rehabilitation center, Nacua stated he began having honest conversations about his mental health. He expressed a commitment to becoming a role model for his child moving forward. Entering this season as part of a high-powered Rams offense, Nacua aims to maintain his focus following a year in which he led the NFL with 80 first downs.
- •Puka Nacua disclosed that he turned to alcohol to manage stress from his career and personal life.
- •The receiver stated he sought help through a rehabilitation center to address his issues.
- •Nacua is currently preparing for the season with the Los Angeles Rams offense.
- •He recorded 80 first downs during the previous NFL season.
- 1:49 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Drowning myself’: Puka Nacua opens up about struggles with alcohol
"The 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 centered on the defensive line, which was bolstered by the acquisition of the NFL’s…
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