Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua revealed alcohol was a major factor in his recent personal struggles, telling Netflix's Elle Duncan that he used drinking to escape stress from rapid NFL stardom and co-parenting. The 25-year-old fifth-round pick from BYU, who led the NFL in receptions just two years after being drafted, checked into rehab in March. Nacua admitted he rarely shared his fears and instead drowned himself in alcohol to avoid addressing tension.

His openness comes after a December antisemitic livestream gesture and a pending lawsuit alleging an unprovoked antisemitic statement and biting a woman. Despite these off-field issues, Nacua played in the season opener, finishing with five catches for 74 yards in a 27-7 loss. He told Duncan he is now in a better place after rehab, calling his previous period the "darkest times" of his life.

He said his main goal is becoming a person his son will be proud of and that he can share lessons learned from his mistakes as his son grows older.