Puka Nacua (Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is already thinking about life after football.
Despite being one of the NFL’s brightest young stars, the 23-year-old has a clear vision for his future- one that doesn’t include playing past the age of 30.
Nacua, a crucial part of the Rams’ offense, made his retirement plans public during an appearance on the Join The Lobby podcast. The rising star expressed his desire to step away from the game while still at the top, following the path of former teammate Aaron Donald, who retired after a decade of dominance.
Puka Nacua Is Prioritizing Health And Family
Puka Nacua (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Nacua’s decision is driven by more than just football. He wants to prioritize his health and be fully present for his future family.
“I know I want to retire at the age of 30,” Nacua said, via Rams Wire’s. “I want to have a big family, want to have at least a starting five, came from a big family, so I need five boys, for sure. But also, I want to be able to be a part of their lives and be as active as I can with them.”
The physical toll of an NFL career is also a major factor in his decision. Nacua acknowledged the wear and tear players endure, referencing injuries like shoulder and knee surgeries that could impact his long-term quality of life.
“Hopefully, the rest of the career can go healthy, but you have shoulder surgery, you have knee surgery, you have ankle,” he said. “By the time my kids could be 18, I could be barely walking if you play the game and sustain all the injuries and stuff like that. But I want to retire early.”
Beyond football, Nacua is already mapping out his next chapter. He has expressed interest in real estate and the restaurant industry, and he is looking to build a career outside the sport.
While it remains whether he sticks to his plan, Nacua wouldn’t be the first star to leave early. NFL greats like Calvin Johnson, Andrew Luck, and Luke Kuechly stepped away before 30. For now, Rams fans can enjoy watching Nacua continue to shine while he’s still on the field.
