Rams' Sean McVay backs Puka Nacua through rehab, lawsuit: 'Love this kid's heart'

It's been a rocky offseason for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

Nacua is taking part in the Rams' offseason program this week amid a challenging offseason. Nacua was sued by a woman in March who alleged the star wideout made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder on New Year's Eve.

Nacua, through his attorney Levi McCathern II., has denied the accusations levied against him. A potential criminal case stemming from the woman's allegations is under review.

USA TODAY Sports spoke with Rams head coach Sean McVay on Tuesday about the standout wide receiver.

Most importantly, you want to be there. You want to help him continue to grow. Certainly, nobody's perfect. I know I wasn't," McVay said in an exclusive interview. "I had a lot of people that put their arm around me and help guide me along the way, and kind of like what I've consistently said, I love this kid's heart.

I trust the feeling that I have in the relationship we've developed over the last handful years, and I truly believe the best is yet to come for him."

The allegations against Nacua came after Nacua received backlash for using an antisemitic trope during a livestream appearance in December. He laterissued an apologyin which he admitted he had no idea" the act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

Nacua entered a rehab facility this offseason amid his off-field transgressions. McVay told USA TODAY Sports that Nacua has completed his rehab.

It's really cool to see him take the initiative to do the things he's done," McVay said. I love Puka Nacua."

Nacua's become one of the NFL's biggest draft steals since the Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He set an NFL record for most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie in a single season. In 2025, Nacua became the fastest player to reach 300 career receptions (43 games). He earned first-team All-Pro honors last year and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

The 6-foot-2 wide receiver, who is entering the final year of his contract, is eligible for a lucrative extension. Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba is currently the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL by average annual value. Nacua's production on the field warrants an extension in the same ballpark.

However, extension talks have taken a backseat for now as the Rams have emphasized supporting Nacua in other ways.

We're just more worried about the human and helping him being able to get himself in a good position," McVay said. "He's in the right trajectory."

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X@TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Puka Nacua completes rehab, gets strong Sean McVay support amid lawsuit