Rams star receiver Puka Nacua is facing significant backlash after performing what’s been called a “Jewish emote” during a live stream and stating he’d use it as a touchdown celebration. The incident comes at a critical moment for Los Angeles, who face the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in a matchup that could impact playoff seeding throughout the NFC.
The 24-year-old wideout appeared on a stream with internet personalities Adin Ross and Neon when he participated in the controversial gesture. He then promised viewers he’d perform it if he found the end zone this week.
This wasn’t well-received.
The gesture – hand-rubbing that resembles someone counting or anticipating money – has been widely criticized for reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Jewish people being greedy or miserly. Though Ross himself is Jewish and regularly performs what he calls his “Jewish Dance,” many viewers found Nacua’s participation problematic.
Social media reaction was swift and largely negative. One user wrote, “Puka’s head really is just full of cement,” while another commented that Nacua had become “SO unlikable” following his association with the controversial streamers.
Puka Nacua will be doing Adin Ross’s ICONIC JEWISH DANCE for his next touchdown celebration 😭 pic.twitter.com/W2dQL4kSMB
— AdinUpdate (@AdinUpdate) December 17, 2025
Puka’s head really is just full of cement https://t.co/t2eWqMaZzM pic.twitter.com/lLoUVWlqo1
— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) December 17, 2025
During the same stream, Nacua didn’t hold back his feelings about NFL officials. “The refs are the worst,” he said. “These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV, too. You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you just saw me on Sunday Night Football? That wasn’t PI (pass interference), but I called it.’”
The controversy marks a turning point in public perception for Nacua, who had been one of the NFL’s feel-good stories. After being selected in the 5th round of the 2023 draft, he’s emerged as one of the league’s premier receivers – currently sitting at 102 catches for 1,367 yards and six touchdowns through Week 15.
Just seen Puka was hanging out with A*den Ro*s & N*on. He just became SO unlikable. pic.twitter.com/wOgbNCuKKa
— le spoon (@FDT4EVUR) December 17, 2025
As the incident gained traction, Nacua issued an apology via social media. In his statement, he claimed he wasn’t aware the gesture was “antisemitic” and that it “perpetuated harmful stereotypes.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Los Angeles. Their Thursday night divisional matchup against Seattle could significantly impact their playoff positioning – particularly their chances at securing the conference’s top seed.
A statement from Rams WR Puka Nacua, apologizing: pic.twitter.com/h2UZX5fn4W
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2025
Despite his on-field success, this incident adds to what’s becoming a more complicated public image for the second-year receiver, who’s otherwise been praised for his route-running precision and toughness after the catch.