Rams WR Puka Nacua Poses with 49ers Cheerleaders, Sparking Backlash

Nacua's latest offseason antics add to growing controversy around the player's public persona.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has stirred up controversy among Los Angeles fans after posing for a photo with 49ers cheerleaders during Super Bowl week in San Francisco. This latest incident comes amid a tumultuous offseason for Nacua, who has made headlines for his public interactions with celebrities and social media influencers, as well as some on-field drama with his own teammates.

Why it matters

In the NFL, where rivalries and team loyalty are paramount, Nacua's decision to pose with the cheerleaders of the Rams' biggest rival has riled up the Los Angeles fanbase. The optics of a Rams player cozying up to the 49ers' brand during the biggest game of the year has added to the growing perception that Nacua is more focused on building his personal brand than on his on-field performance.

The details

The photo itself shows Nacua smiling and posing with several 49ers cheerleaders, without any overtly disrespectful gestures. However, for many Rams fans, the mere act of a Rams player engaging with the 49ers' brand during Super Bowl week is seen as a betrayal. Nacua's offseason antics, which have included publicly pursuing actress Sydney Sweeney and going viral for his behavior during Super Bowl festivities, have only added to the perception that he is more concerned with his personal image than with his responsibilities as a professional football player.

  • Puka Nacua posed with 49ers cheerleaders during Super Bowl week in San Francisco (February 2026).
  • Nacua has made headlines throughout the offseason for his various public interactions and controversies.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has generated significant controversy this offseason for his various public antics and interactions.

Sam Darnold

The Rams' starting quarterback, with whom Nacua has had some on-field drama during the season.

Sydney Sweeney

An actress that Nacua has publicly expressed interest in, adding to the perception that he is more focused on building his personal brand than on his football career.

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What they’re saying

“In today's NFL, brand and bravado travel faster than box scores. Nacua knows that. The question is whether he's crafting a persona larger than the playbook — or simply playing with fire in a league in which loyalty still sells.”

— Michael Duarte, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Rams organization and coaching staff will likely address Nacua's behavior and its impact on the team's culture and performance. Fans will continue to closely monitor Nacua's actions and how they affect the team's on-field success.

The takeaway

Puka Nacua's latest controversy highlights the delicate balance between building a personal brand and maintaining loyalty to one's team in the NFL. While Nacua's off-field antics may generate attention, they also risk alienating the very fans and teammates he needs to support him on the field.