Puka Nacua Aims To Play Overseas Basketball After NFL Retirement
Jun 22, 2025, 11:25 AM
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 16: Puka Nacua #17 of Team Shannon drives to the basket against Team Stephen A. during the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua is already plotting life after football — and his post-NFL plans might include a shot at professional basketball overseas.
On the “Games with Names” podcast, hosted by former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman, Nacua said he wants to retire at 30 and then take his talents abroad to hit the hardwood.
Puka Nacua’s 10-year plan:
– Win a Super Bowl
– Retire at 30
– Go play professional basketball overseas😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VnT8JHRKVm
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) June 22, 2025
“I want to go play overseas basketball,” Nacua said. “I want to play football, take that money, and go to some country that only 25 percent of the world has ever heard of. (I want to) get ownership in the team and take the Michael Jordan route. Get 25 shots up a night, be the coach, sub my own minutes, and make sure we get ticket sales at the end of it. I’m trying to work some actual business.”
Nacua has a deep love for basketball and has made it known multiple times.
Looking back, the former Cougar has given quotes saying that it “would be so easy” to transition to the NBA and that he “could get 15 for sure” if playing 30 minutes in an NBA game. However, it looks like he has tempered his expectations and will look to play elsewhere in the future.
If Nacua follows his own timeline, that gives him six seasons left in the NFL.
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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