Puka Nacua, the Los Angeles Rams’ star wide receiver, has stunned fans and analysts with his unconventional post-retirement plans. At just 23 years old, Nacua has already mapped out his future beyond football — and it includes playing professional basketball overseas.
His surprising revelation has sparked plenty of conversation about where the young star’s career could go next.
Puka Nacua’s Post-NFL Plan: From Gridiron Glory to Overseas Hoops
Nacua recently made headlines; not with a game-winning catch, but with a bold look into his future. During an appearance on Julian Edelman’s “Games With Names” podcast, the rising star revealed he plans to retire from the NFL at age 30 and pursue professional basketball overseas.
At just 23, Nacua is already one of the league’s most exciting young receivers. After one of the most impressive rookie seasons ever for a wideout, he continued to shine in 2024. But while most players are focused only on football, Nacua is already thinking about life in another sport.
“I want to go play overseas basketball. Like I’m sure I could go to another country that only 25% of the world’s ever heard before, get ownership in the team and I’m gonna get 25 shots up a night,” Nacua said.
And he wasn’t joking. Nacua, who averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals across 82 varsity games at Orem High School, seems serious about giving basketball a real shot.
“I’m gonna be the coach. I’m gonna sub my own minutes in, and then I’m gonna make sure that we’re getting ticket sales at the end of it — like try to work some actual business,” he added.
While it might sound like a long shot, Nacua’s plan sounds a little like LaMelo Ball’s early overseas journey or even Michael Jordan’s off-field business ventures. His vision includes being a player, coach, and team co-owner — all while using his NFL fame and finances to build something bigger.
Julian Edelman, the former Patriots receiver and Super Bowl MVP, offered some friendly advice: “One player to another. This is between you and I. No one’s listening to this. Don’t ever tell the other side any edge. We’re talking negotiations. I’ll get you a couple more shekels. If it’s there, it’s there. You don’t say it.”
Nacua replied coolly, “I don’t really think about it. They asked the question but I want to go play overseas basketball.”
Some fans are brushing off the comments as just playful banter, but others see ambition. Nacua has already played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and showed legit skills. Whether or not his dream becomes reality, one thing is clear — Nacua has plans that stretch far beyond football.
“After we win that Super Bowl, hopefully it’ll be a done deal,” he said. “There’s no question about it. Like, they want me to stay here and hopefully make L.A. my home and we’ll take over.”