Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has resumed on-field participation at OTAs, marking his first visible return to football work after checking into a rehab center in March and addressing a civil lawsuit stemming from a December 2025 incident.
Speaking to reporters Thursday at the Rams’ Woodland Hills facility, his first public comments since the lawsuit was filed, Nacua described his time away as a period of growth.
I’ve been truly grateful for the support from the organization, especially my teammates, Nacua said (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop). Some of the things I feel like I’ve learned is it’s OK to ask for support and then to recognize the platform that I have and being a professional football player and trying to use that for the betterment of myself and for those around me.
He referred to the lawsuit as an ongoing legal battle and declined to address the specific allegations directly, stating, “Out of respect for the other party involved, I don’t really have much to speak on.”
Nacua, who turns 25 Friday, said he’s started weekly therapy sessions with the Rams’ team therapist and has begun journaling, tools he credits with creating a significant improvement in my life.
The Background: Lawsuit, Rehab, and Off-Field Incidents
The civil lawsuit was filed in March by Madison Atiabi, who alleges Nacua made an unprovoked antisemitic statement and bit her shoulder during a Dec. 31, 2025, incident in Century City. The complaint cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denies the allegations, calling the bite horseplay and alleging the plaintiff demanded millions in exchange for not publicizing the claims, which he described as blackmail. McCathern said he plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Atiabi.
This follows Nacua’s December 2025 apology for performing an antisemitic-coded gesture on an Adin Ross livestream two days before a Thursday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL fined him $25,000 for criticizing officials on social media after the Rams’ overtime loss to Seattle.
Nacua checked into a Malibu holistic rehabilitation facility in March for a short stint, though he has not missed any offseason workouts since April.
What It Means for the Rams and Nacua’s Contract
Nacua is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract after being selected in the fifth round (177th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of BYU.
| Career Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Receiving Yards | Nearly 4,200 |
| Touchdowns | 19 |
| 2025 Receptions | 129 (NFL leader) |
| 2025 Yards Per Game | 107.2 (NFL leader) |
| 2025 Receiving Yards | 1,715 (2nd in NFL) |
Pro Football Reference credits Nacua with leading the NFL in receptions (129) and yards per game (107.2) in 2025, earning unanimous All-Pro honors.
Off-field concerns have prevented a blockbuster extension so far, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms this OTA return is being viewed as a reset for Nacua. A strong 2026 season with no further legal matters could create circumstances for a lucrative second contract.
The top of the receiver market now stands at $42.15 million per year thanks to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seahawks. Nacua’s potential deal would likely trail that mark given the unresolved legal situation.
Davante Adams, Nacua’s teammate, is a pending 2027 free agent on a two-year, $46 million contract signed in March 2025. electing not to retain Adams or trade for another veteran would point further to a lucrative commitment in Nacua’s case.
QB Stafford and Coach McVay Support Nacua
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, said Nacua has looked fantastic during OTAs and that he’s talking to him non-stop.
Stafford expressed his happiness for Nacua’s success in returning to play the game he loves. He’s a great person and a great kid, and just doing everything I can to try to give advice when it’s needed or also just be his buddy, too.
Head coach Sean McVay praised Nacua’s authenticity and vulnerability:
I’ve always talked about just his heart, not his mind or soul. I think there’s real strength in some of the vulnerabilities, and I’m really proud of him.
For more on the Rams’ visual identity this season, the team recently unveiled Los Angeles Rams Unveil Sleek New Uniforms for the 2026 NFL Season.
What Comes Next
Nacua said an extension is not a concern at this time, leaving contract talks to his agent. He emphasized his focus is on being a good father, friend, and teammate.
The Rams are expected to let Nacua play out the 2026 season, potentially using the franchise tag for 2027 before making a long-term commitment. Nacua stated he couldn’t imagine myself playing anywhere else.
As a wide receiver in the NFL, Nacua’s role differs from positions like tight end for readers unfamiliar with position distinctions, here’s What Is a Tight End in Football?.
When comparing potential contract value, see Biggest NFL Contracts: Top 10 by Total Value & AAV (2026) for how the receiver market ranks across the league.
The Los Angeles Rams compete in the NFC West alongside Seattle, Arizona, and San Francisco part of all NFL Teams: Complete Alphabetical List of 32 Teams (2026 Season).nfl
With OTAs underway across the NFL, the 2026 season trajectory for Nacua hinges on sustained on-field performance and no additional off-field issues. Wide receiver market dynamics like Pittsburgh’s potential draft moves also shape valuation read Steelers Eye Bold WR Move as Pittsburgh Hosts 2026 NFL Draft.
Puka Nacua’s journey through this rehab period, therapy sessions, and legal battle will determine whether he secures the extension he’s eligible for beyond his rookie contract, but for now, the Rams star is back doing what he loves in Los Angeles.
