Puka Nacua’s Take on Fred Warner
Puka Nacua has been a challenge for defensive backs throughout his three years in the NFL. However, he seems to have second thoughts about running certain routes, especially after facing one particular player from the San Francisco 49ers.
On the “Impaulsive” podcast with Logan Paul and Mike Mailak, the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver named Fred Warner as the best defender he’s ever faced. Nacua humorously likened the middle of the field to Warner’s own haunted house.
“Nobody can cover that much space,” Nacua remarked. “It’s scary. It’s terrible in the middle of the field.”
He recounted a moment when Warner was right next to him after a route that didn’t result in a catch. “He was like, ‘I knew exactly where you were going,'” Nacua reflected. “I swear to you, when I started playing, you were over there, and now you’re standing next to me.”
Warner, without missing a beat, replied, “That’s my job.”
While most linebackers pursue receivers, Warner seems to just appear beside them.
A four-time All-Pro, Warner’s unique mix of speed and coverage skills has solidified his spot as one of the NFL’s elite linebackers. Even with a significant ankle injury that limited him to six games last season, coaches and executives still ranked him as the top player in his position.
Despite Nacua’s concerns about Warner, it’s worth noting that he hasn’t had a disastrous experience in the NFC West. Over four games against Warner, Nacua managed to secure 34 receptions on 43 targets for 357 yards and two touchdowns, with Warner only defending him closely in a couple of those games.
Nacua’s success came while generally avoiding the daunting presence of Warner on the field.
“Fred, I hate you,” Nacua recalled telling Warner. “We’re not supposed to like each other, but I really enjoy watching you play too.”
This relationship has its complexities, as Warner previously played with Nacua’s older brother, Kai, at BYU. Puka finds himself caught between familial ties and competitive spirit.
It’s almost like a strange mix of trash talk and praise— “Horrible experience. Five stars. I’ll probably have to cross the middle again.”
As the season begins, these two players might reignite their rivalry when the Rams face the 49ers in Melbourne. While Warner is healthy and active in training camp, Nacua recently sat out a joint practice due to a mild groin strain.
There’s also the potential for Nacua to face NFL discipline related to offseason allegations, although his lawyer has denied any wrongdoing. If he does take the field, San Francisco will be contending with one of the most effective receivers in the game. Last season, Nacua topped the NFL with 129 catches and 10 touchdowns, placing second in receiving yards with 1,715.
Clearly, Nacua isn’t overly intimidated. But when it comes time to make his move in Warner’s territory, it seems he might take a quick look under the bed—and then check the sidelines—before committing to his route.
