Puka Nacua has been a bonafide superstar for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2025 season as he’s helped put the team in position to enter the 2026 NFL Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Nacua came into the season as the projected alpha of the passing game, and he’s delivered with several gaudy receiving lines. For example, in the Rams’ win against the Detroit Lions, he recorded nine catches for 181 yards. While he didn’t get into the end zone, Nacua was responsible for extending several drives and keeping the Lions defense on its heels.
As one of the most physical and savvy receivers in the NFL, Nacua has seen his fair share of defenders do whatever they can to cover him. Officiating this season hasn’t always been the best, but most of the time they’re usually good about calling infractions.
However, Nacua recently called out referees for making up calls on the field in order to get their television spotlight, via N3ON’s YouTube channel:
“The refs are the worst,” Nacua said. “… Some of the rules aren’t … These guys want to be … these guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on “Sunday Night Football.” That wasn’t P.I., but I called it.'”
It’s quite the accusation from Nacua to make, though it’s hard to blame him for his opinion as there have been several questionable calls just this season. Officials aren’t always going to be correct, but fans have every right to be upset if a call is unnecessary or incorrect.
The NFL is sensitive to players criticizing referees, so Nacua will likely get fined for his comments. On a competitive team like the Rams, he understands that made-up calls could swing games and there’s too much at stake this season to allow for that.
Nacua has been on the wrong end of some calls this year, but it hasn’t mattered too much as Los Angeles continues to establish its dominance. The Rams are widely considered to be Super Bowl favorites, but there’s still work for Nacua and company to do to get there.
Sean McVay compares Puka Nacua to Pac-Man
Head coach Sean McVay has heaped plenty of praise Puka Nacua’s way this season and for good reason as the star receiver makes a highlight-reel catch every week. After his performance against the Lions, McVay compared Nacua to Pac-Man for his ability to eat up yards after the catch.
