Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua was nothing short of spectacular on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 16 with a bang.
In a 38–37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua torched the division rival for 12 catches, a career-high 225 yards, and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard score in overtime.
But as the dust settled on one of the most chaotic games of the NFL season, the conversation around Nacua shifted — sharply.
Hours after one of the greatest NFL Thursday night affairs in recent memory, the media were already warning that the Rams’ emerging superstar may now be on the league’s radar for all the wrong reasons.
What Potentially Lies Ahead for Nacua, Rams
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio didn’t mince words when discussing Nacua’s recent behavior and the attention it has drawn from the league on Friday’s edition of Good Morning Football.
“He’s going to get fined twice,” Florio said without hesitation.
This comes after the Rams playmaker already stirred up controversy earlier in the week — public criticism of NFL officials, and a formal apology regarding an antisemitic gesture practiced during a live stream with with Adin Ross and N3on.
While the NFL ultimately declined to discipline Nacua for the gesture itself — issuing a league-wide statement condemning antisemitism without naming him — Florio suggested that restraint may not last if the behavior continues.
“Because they weren’t able to do anything to him for that,” Florio added, “he’s even more of a target if he continues to criticize the officials.”
Post-Game Tweet Adds Fuel
That scrutiny intensified after Nacua posted sarcastically about officiating decisions following Thursday night’s game, writing: “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”
The post was later deleted.
Yet, within minutes of the final whistle, the narrative turned. Michael Holley captured the frustration felt by many around the league.
“He’s unbelievable. He does everything on the field that you want a player to do,” Holley said.
“And then he jumps right back into it. It’s really tough to watch him create PR nightmares that are so avoidable. Put your phone down. Don’t pick it up until 15 or 20 minutes after the game. If you want to say something, put it in drafts. Don’t post it.”
The irony is hard to miss. Nacua was the best player on the field in Seattle. Matthew Stafford threw for 457 yards, and the Rams racked up 581 total yards. Nacua repeatedly beat coverage against one of the most intimidating defenses in football.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy gives the league broad discretion — especially when it comes to public criticism of officials. Florio made it clear that while free speech protections complicated any discipline related to the earlier livestream, continued comments directed at officiating could be treated differently.
With Seattle’s win pushing the Rams behind in the NFC West race and likely forcing Los Angeles into a road playoff path, every moment — on and off the field — now carries amplified weight.
Nacua has ascended into superstardom. He leads the NFL in receptions (114), has become Stafford’s primary weapon and is central to the Rams’ postseason hopes. With that status comes a brighter spotlight — and far less margin for error.
Thursday night proved Nacua can carry this Rams offense in the biggest moments. He’s clutch — flat-out clutch. But the events that spilled over showed how quickly momentum can shift when frustration escapes the game field.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Puka Nacua Could Face NFL Discipline for Recent Behavior After Rams Loss appeared first on Heavy Sports.