Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua discusses alcohol use and NFL pressure
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 1:50 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua detailed his personal experience with alcohol as a coping mechanism for the pressures of professional football. In a television interview conducted by Elle Duncan for Netflix Sports, the 25-year-old explained how he sought escapes while adjusting to his rapid emergence as a prominent NFL player. Nacua, who entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023, spoke about the transition to stardom in Los Angeles. The discussion took place before the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, 2026. Beyond his athletic career, Nacua discussed themes of mental health and his role as a father. He expressed a desire to lead a life that serves as a positive example for his son.
- •Puka Nacua shared his experience with alcohol in a Netflix interview on September 10, 2026.
- •The interview occurred prior to the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
- •Nacua discussed the mental health challenges associated with his rapid rise to NFL stardom.
- •The receiver stated that his goal is to maintain a life his son can be proud of.
- 2:38 AMESPN — Rams' Nacua acknowledges 'darkest times' of his life, battle with alcohol
- 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Puka Nacua reveals alcohol struggles, rehab stint amid ‘darkest times’ of his life
- 1:10 AMYahoo Sports — Rams' Puka Nacua opens up about using alcohol to cope with NFL stardom
"Rams WR Puka Nacua told Netflix that "alcohol was definitely a thing" for him as he dealt with off-the-field stresses that included a rapid rise to NFL stardom and the birth of his son.
"Rams star Puka Nacua revealed his struggles with alcohol, stress and isolation while opening up about rehab, therapy and fatherhood before the 49ers opener.
"Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua opens up about alcohol use in Netflix interview before game vs. 49ers.
Sources
External links- ESPNSep 11, 2026, 2:38 AMRams' Nacua acknowledges 'darkest times' of his life, battle with alcohol
Rams WR Puka Nacua told Netflix that "alcohol was definitely a thing" for him as he dealt with off-the-field stresses that included a rapid rise to NFL stardom and the birth of his son.
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 1:20 AMPuka Nacua reveals alcohol struggles, rehab stint amid ‘darkest times’ of his life
Rams star Puka Nacua revealed his struggles with alcohol, stress and isolation while opening up about rehab, therapy and fatherhood before the 49ers opener.
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 1:10 AMRams' Puka Nacua opens up about using alcohol to cope with NFL stardom
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua opens up about alcohol use in Netflix interview before game vs. 49ers.
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