Rams’ Puka Nacua reveals odd coping mechanism to survive transgressional offseason

Puka Nacua

For Puka Nacua, this offseason has been about more than a future payday or the Rams' Super Bowl hopes. It has been about accountability, support and personal growth.

The Los Angeles Rams star receiver has spent the past several months trying to rebuild trust, create structure and show the organization that his growth off the field can match his rare talent on it. One piece of that process - journaling - caught the attention of ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who turned Nacua's comments into a broader message about accountability and perspective.

Puka Nacua's journaling drew praise from Adam Schefter as the Rams receiver works to show growth after off-field concerns. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Speaking on The Adam Schefter Podcast," Schefter praised Nacua for openly acknowledging that he needed support after a turbulent stretch that included a short stay at a private rehabilitation facility and ongoing legal issues stemming from an alleged offseason incident.

There are a couple of things I love about that," Schefter said. First of all, he's acknowledging that he's had issues. He's seeking help. He's not afraid to admit it."

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua (12) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Schefter was especially struck by Nacua's comments about journaling because it is a discipline Schefter has followed for decades. He said he has documented every day of his life since 1990 and called the practice therapeutic.

You go back, and you look, and you see how you thought things at certain times in your life were really significant and really mattered, and they really didn't matter," Schefter said. And it gives you a whole new perspective. It gives you an outlet. I love that Puka is doing it."

For Nacua, journaling has become part of a larger reset.

During the Rams' offseason program, Nacua said his rehab stint was brief, but meaningful. He has continued working with the team therapist and attending weekly meetings as he tries to build better habits.

Puka Nacua leaves a workout and goes to In-N-Out before returning to a rehab facility in Malibu, CA. London Entertainment for CA Post

Little did I know that even just writing in a journal has been as simple as that," Nacua told reporters, and just finding ways to express some of the things that I find near and dear to my heart, and then also just to write down the accomplishments. There's been a lot of good things amidst some of these things that have been challenging for me. But it's been a great improvement in my life."

That kind of progress matters for a Rams team that has remained publicly supportive of Nacua while also making clear that better judgment is necessary.

Rams Puka Nacua (12) at Rams practice. MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Head coach Sean McVay praised Nacua's willingness to be vulnerable, saying there is strength in being honest about needing help. Matthew Stafford also said he has stayed in regular contact with Nacua and that the receiver has looked strong during workouts.

The football stakes remain enormous.

Nacua is entering a pivotal stage of his Rams career. After leading the NFL in receptions last season and establishing himself as one of the league's most important receivers, he is eligible for a major contract extension. But after several off-field incidents, the Rams appear to be taking a more patient approach before making a long-term commitment.

Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams runs after the catch during an OTA offseason workout at Rams Village. Getty Images

The Athletic reported the Rams want to see a pattern of strong behavior" before fully committing to a deal that could exceed $170 million.

Nacua seems to understand that.

He has spoken about becoming a father, learning from mistakes and using his platform more responsibly. He has also made clear that he cannot imagine playing anywhere else.

Schefter's reaction showed why Nacua's new discipline resonated beyond the Rams facility. The journaling itself may seem simple, but the act behind it, creating daily accountability, slowing down and reflecting, represents the kind of growth the Rams need to see.

For Nacua, the next step is proving that the routine lasts.

If it does, the contract and football future may eventually take care of themselves.