Puka Nacua Breaks Silence: “NFL Doesn’t Care About Your Pain — You Have to Play Anyway”
In an emotional revelation that’s shaking the NFL to its core, Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams has opened up about the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland, and his words are sending shockwaves across the league. Following the devastating news of Kneeland’s death, Nacua shared a brutally honest truth that no one saw coming — revealing the emotional struggle players face when the game demands they push aside personal pain.
Nacua, who briefly played alongside Kneeland during his time with the Los Angeles Rams, called the loss of his former teammate “devastating” and a stark reminder of the unspoken pressure NFL players face. But it wasn’t just about the grief — it was about the expectation to perform no matter what:
"Everyone thinks the NFL is just about football. But the truth is, they don’t care what you're feeling. They just expect you to show up and play. We’re told to shut off our emotions, but that’s not realistic. I feel like we’re not allowed to grieve the loss of a brother because we have to get ready for a game. That’s the cold reality of this league."
A Wake-Up Call to Fans: "We're Not Machines"
Nacua’s shocking admission sheds light on the emotional toll that NFL players endure, often sacrificing their own mental well-being for the sake of the game. As the
"We’ve got to put our feelings aside for the fans, for our coaches, and for our teammates. But losing someone like Marshawn—it’s like losing a brother. It’s not just a game. People don’t understand how much time we spend with each other, and now I have to focus on beating the Eagles while mourning my friend. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do."
A Brotherhood in Crisis?
As the NFL grapples with the tragic loss of Kneeland, Nacua's powerful words are raising serious questions about the emotional cost of playing professional football.
Is the NFL a family, or is it a brutal machine that demands players sacrifice everything — including their emotions — for the game? The death of Kneeland is only the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching moments that show just how much players endure off the field.
A handful of players on the roster are on the cusp of landing a major milestone or accomplishment to etch their name further into the Texans franchise history books with a big performance
The Houston Texans will have a critical game on their hands for Week 10 against their division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars, hoping to avoid their sixth loss of the season and even up their season series after Week 3's tough loss.
But in the midst of the Texans' Week 10 action, they'll also have multiple historical implications to keep track of. A handful of players on the roster are on the cusp of landing a major milestone or accomplishment to etch their name further into the Texans franchise history books with a big performance.
Here's three milestones to take note of for the Texans this weekend vs. the Jaguars.
Calen Bullock Needs One Interception
With one interception on Sunday against the Jaguars, safety Calen Bullock would have his eighth career pick, setting the franchise record for most interceptions by a player through their first two seasons, passing CB Dunta Robinson, who has seven.
Without starting nickel Jalen Pitre in the Texans' secondary this weekend, sidelined due to a concussion, Houston will need some playmakers to step up to make some plays against this Jaguars offense. Bullock could be the perfect name to do so, and if he does get his hands on a ball through the air, it'll be even sweeter when factoring in the historical implications.
Will Anderson on the Verge of Four Consecutive Sacks
With one sack on Sunday against the Jaguars, star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. would record a sack in four consecutive games for the first time in his career and become the eighth player in franchise history to do so.
Anderson has been perhaps the biggest difference-maker on the Texans' league-best defense through the first half of the season, logging six sacks through eight games, getting one on the board every game since their bye.
If that trend can continue this week vs. Jacksonville, it puts Anderson even further up the Texans' franchise sack leaderboard, and in some unique company for getting one sack a game for nearly a month straight.
Dalton Schultz Looking for 7+ Receptions
With seven receptions on Sunday against the Jaguars, tight end Dalton Schultz would pass Owen Daniels for the most receptions by a tight end in franchise history through the first nine games of a season, who has 44.
Schultz has found himself a nice role within the Texans' passing offense through the first half of the season, hauling in the second-most receptions and yards among Houston pass-catchers. Now with seven more of those catches against Jacksonville, he'll stamp an all-time record down.
