Puka Nacua Criticizes NFL Referees: “They Want To Be On TV”
Dec 18, 2025, 2:22 PM | Updated: Dec 19, 2025, 10:41 am
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammate Davante Adams #17 after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua made an appearance on a live stream this week, where he made some pointed comments about NFL referees.
Nacua joined content creator Adin Ross on a stream this past week to talk about sports, life, and more.
Puka Nacua sounds off on NFL refs during livestream with Adin Ross and N3on 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/LtwXgWJqJq
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 17, 2025
After Ross asked about the performance of NFL officials, Nacua responded:
The refs are the worst. They are lawyers, they wanna be on TV as well. They text their friends in their group chat like, ‘Did you see me do that on Sunday Night Football?’
Across 13 games played this season, Nacua has 102 receptions for 1,367 yards and six touchdowns. He has only had one penalty called against him this season.
Puka Nacua’s Comments: Calculated Or Jokes?
On the KSL Sports Zone, David James and Patrick Kinahan spoke on Nacua’s comments about NFL refs.
“I don’t know it was a formal interview making a sincere, heartfelt, thoughtful sentiment. So I would say no, it was just silly stuff. That’s what it sounds like to me. I wouldn’t think there would be a fine, because it just sounds like it was goofing off.” – Patrick Kinahan
As of right now, there has been no release from the NFL outlining any potential disciplinary action against Nacua.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nacua’s sophomore campaign was plagued with injuries, but he still finished the season with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
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