Former NFL LB Raises Concerns Over Rams WR Puka Nacua's Off-Field Behavior

Emmanuel Acho highlights a pattern of troubling incidents involving the young star receiver.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho voiced serious concerns about Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua's off-field behavior, citing a series of incidents over the past two months including a viral video showing Nacua appearing intoxicated on the street. Acho emphasized that his worries go beyond this single moment and pointed to other issues such as an accusation involving Nacua's brother, a dispute with a fan, and comments with anti-Semitic implications. While acknowledging Nacua's exceptional on-field performance, Acho stressed the need to closely monitor his off-field actions, warning that "money doesn't change you, money just makes you more of who you are."

Why it matters

Nacua is considered a cornerstone of the Rams' offense, and his off-field behavior could have significant implications for his future opportunities and reputation within the NFL. The growing scrutiny underscores the importance of addressing any concerning patterns of conduct before they potentially hamper the talented receiver's trajectory.

The details

In a discussion on his show The Speak Easy, Acho outlined a series of troubling incidents involving Nacua, including an accusation involving his brother and a Lakers player's vehicle, a dispute with a fan at a USFL game, and comments Nacua issued an apology for after being criticized for anti-Semitic implications. Acho also referred to an incident where Nacua invited unauthorized individuals into the Rams' team facility, an infraction that was overshadowed by his exceptional 225-yard game performance.

  • In the weeks following the recent Super Bowl, a viral video showed Nacua appearing intoxicated on a public street.
  • Over the past two months, Acho says there have been multiple episodes involving Nacua's off-field behavior.

The players

Emmanuel Acho

A former NFL linebacker who now hosts the late-night show The Speak Easy.

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who had an exceptional 2025 season, ranking first in the NFL according to PFSN's WR Impact metric.

LeSean McCoy

A former NFL running back who co-hosts The Speak Easy with Emmanuel Acho.

Ernest Jones IV

A linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks who responded to a controversial social media post by Nacua.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who led the team to an undefeated postseason run and a championship.

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What they’re saying

“We gotta watch Puka... We are seeing these behavioral issues and if they don't get addressed... I have questions.”

— Emmanuel Acho, Host, The Speak Easy (The Speak Easy)

“Money doesn't change you, money just makes you more of who you are.”

— Emmanuel Acho, Host, The Speak Easy (The Speak Easy)

“Concentrate on your own offseason instead.”

— Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks (Twitter)

What’s next

The Rams organization and Nacua's management circle will likely need to closely examine his personal environment and choices in the coming weeks to address the off-field concerns before they potentially impact his future opportunities and reputation within the league.

The takeaway

Nacua's exceptional on-field performance has made him a cornerstone of the Rams' offense, but the growing scrutiny of his off-field behavior underscores the importance of addressing any concerning patterns of conduct before they hamper his trajectory. The Rams and Nacua's inner circle will need to take proactive steps to ensure his off-field actions align with his on-field promise.