In a recent conversation on the “Join the Lobby” podcast, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua shared some surprising plans about his career. At just 23, he’s already looking ahead to retirement, hoping to hang up his cleats by the age of 30.
“I really want to retire when I hit 30,” Nacua explained. “I’m quite aware that means my NFL career might not even span a full decade, maybe only seven or eight years. I’ve always admired Aaron Donald, who left the game at the peak of his performance. Going out on top sounds incredibly appealing to me.”
Aaron Donald, the legendary former Rams defensive tackle, stepped away from the NFL in March 2024 after an illustrious 10-season career. With accolades like three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl ring, Donald felt his journey in football was “complete.”
Nacua also opened up about his personal life and aspirations during the interview. As one of five siblings, he dreams of creating “a big family,” emphasizing his desire to be actively involved in their lives. “Injuries in this game are unpredictable, something you just can’t control,” Nacua remarked. “Sure, I hope the rest of my career is injury-free, but if you get into shoulder or knee surgeries, by the time your kids hit 18, you might struggle to keep up. That’s a big part of why I want to bow out early.”
Reflecting on his performance, Nacua’s skills were on full display during the 2023 season when he shattered NFL records for rookie receiving yards and receptions. He emerged as the Rams’ top receiver with 79 catches, totaling 990 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Despite missing five games due to a knee injury and sitting out the season finale for rest, his impact was undeniable.
