A recent social media post has ignited a buzz around Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, suggesting his athletic talents might extend far beyond the football field. NFL aggregator Dov Kleiman shared a video on platform X that showcased Nacua playing basketball, leading to wild speculation about a potential crossover to professional hoops.
Viral Video Fuels Cross-Sport Speculation
The clip, which quickly captured the attention of fans, was captioned by Kleiman with a bold claim: “Insane: Rams superstar WR Puka Nacua could easily play in the NBA.” He further added that Nacua plans to play basketball overseas after retiring from the NFL at the age of 30. The video prompted a mix of awe and sarcasm from viewers. One user humorously questioned the basis of the NBA claim, asking, “Cuz he can make a layup?” referencing one of basketball's fundamental shots.
The footage was originally posted by an Instagram account run by Maddie Murray, who tagged both Puka Nacua (@pukaizded) and former Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (@bobbyiii5), now with the Carolina Panthers. The nature of Murray's connection to the athletes remains unclear, and neither Nacua nor Brown reposted the video, adding a layer of mystery to its origin.
Fan Reactions: From Excitement to Concern
The online community had a field day with the prospect of Nacua switching leagues. A dedicated fan expressed enthusiastic support, writing, “Puka Nacua in the NBA Celebrity Game was just a teaser. If this man decides to lock in on basketball at 30, international leagues better be ready.” However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. A concerned Los Angeles Rams fan wondered about the team's stance, posting, “No way the Rams are cool w him doing this.”
The conversation took an interesting turn when another user connected Nacua's basketball venture to his recent run-ins with NFL officials, asking, “Would he trash those refs too?????” This comment references a major off-field incident involving the wide receiver.
The Referee Controversy and NFL Fine
In December 2025, ESPN reporter Sarah Barshop covered Nacua's public criticism of NFL referees. Following a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua tweeted a sarcastic message appreciating the officials' “contribution.” This came days after he made pointed remarks on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on, stating, “The refs are the worst.”
Nacua elaborated, accusing some officials of making calls just to get screen time. “You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ That wasn’t P.I., but I called it,” he said. The NFL did not take these comments lightly and fined Nacua $25,000 for publicly criticizing the game officials, a clear violation of league policy.
While Puka Nacua continues to be a star for the Rams on the gridiron, his viral basketball moment and outspoken nature ensure he remains a compelling figure both on and off the field. Whether his post-NFL future truly lies on a basketball court overseas remains to be seen, but the debate has certainly been set in motion.
