Puka Nacua’s 12-catch, 225-yard, two-touchdown performance against Seattle was eclipsed by a storm of controversy that began with a livestream.
A Night of Football and Fallout
Thursday night at Lumen Field, the Los Angeles Rams fell 38-37 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks. The loss cost the Rams the NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed in the conference. In the aftermath, Nacua stood on the field and delivered a stat line that would normally silence critics: 12 catches, 225 yards, two touchdowns.
Yet the numbers could not drown out the noise surrounding the wide receiver. For the first time since a controversial livestream, public backlash, and league-wide scrutiny collided with his personal life, Nacua stepped forward.
The Livestream Incident
Nacua had appeared on a live stream with internet personalities Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafiq, known collectively as N3on, who together command over 40 million followers. During the broadcast Ross suggested a touchdown celebration rooted in an antisemitic stereotype-rubbing one’s hands together to imply greed. Nacua performed the gesture on the stream and even promised to repeat it if he scored in the game.
> “I promise,” he said. “I got you, man.”
The next day the gesture landed hard in the real world. Nacua issued a public apology on Instagram, stating he was unaware of the gesture’s meaning and condemning all forms of racism and hate.
League and Political Response
The NFL issued a firm statement reiterating that discrimination has no place in the sport. Backlash poured in, including pointed criticism from U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, who called for accountability.
Family Trouble Adds to the Storm
Compounding the controversy, Nacua’s brother, Samson, was arrested in Southern California in connection with the reported theft of Lakers rookie Adou Thiero’s SUV. The headlines were different, the situation was different, but the shared last name added another layer to the week’s narrative.
Coach’s Support and Accountability
Inside the Rams’ facility, head coach Sean McVay sent a message that was both direct and supportive.
> “Coach has just echoed that he’s always in continuous support of me,” Nacua said late Thursday night. “He’s disappointed in some of the actions that are just distracting my teammates. And it’s something I know I’ll learn from.”
Nacua reiterated his commitment to not be a distraction.
> “I don’t want to be a distraction in any week, and especially in a short week,” he said. “So we had talked about that. He’s right there behind me.”
On the Field, He Stayed Focused
Against Seattle, Nacua played with the intensity of a receiver who knows the ball will find him. Slants turned into sprints, contested catches felt inevitable, and he torched a division rival with confidence. Still, the overtime loss left frustration simmering.
Criticism of Officials
Earlier in the week, Nacua had criticized NFL officials during the same livestream, questioning their motives and attention. After Thursday’s loss he posted a sarcastic thank-you to referees on social media, which was quickly deleted.
> “Just a moment of frustration after a tough, intense game like that,” he said. “Thinking of the opportunities that I could’ve done better to take it out of their hands.”
When asked if he truly believed his earlier remarks about officials chasing TV moments, Nacua shook it off.
> “No, I don’t,” he said. “It was just a lack of awareness and some frustration.”
Career Context
Nacua, a fifth-round pick out of BYU in 2023, is now in his third NFL season. Through Week 15 he leads the Rams with 114 receptions and 1,592 receiving yards, ranking second in the NFL in both categories. His six touchdown catches trail only Davante Adams on the roster. At 24 years old, he is already a pillar of the franchise’s present and future.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that making Nacua one of the league’s highest-paid wide receivers is a “big-time priority” for the Rams, with an extension looming after the 2025 season.
Lessons Learned
Nacua didn’t dodge responsibility Thursday night. He didn’t hide behind platitudes. He acknowledged the damage of distraction-to teammates, the locker room, and himself.
> “I know I’ll learn from this,” he said.
In Seattle, under gray skies and heavier circumstances, he reminded everyone that greatness does not make one immune to mistakes, and mistakes do not erase greatness.
Key Takeaways
- Nacua apologized for an antisemitic gesture performed on a livestream.
- The NFL and Representative Swalwell condemned the action, and the Rams’ coach offered support while demanding accountability.
- The incident coincided with a Seahawks loss, a brother’s arrest, and Nacua’s ongoing contract discussions.
Puka Nacua’s week serves as a reminder that even top performers must navigate the weight of their actions in the public eye.
