Puka Nacua is one of the finest young talents in the NFL.
The 23-year-old Los Angeles Rams wide receiver isn't planning on growing old in the league, however.
Nacua, speaking recently on the "Join The Lobby" podcast, let it be known that he's likely got seven seasons remaining before he calls it a career.
"I know I want to retire at the age of 30," Nacua said. "I'm 23 right now, I'm going into Year 3."
Nacua cited former teammate Aaron Donald's decision to retire while still playing at an elite level and his hope to be able to enjoy having a big family as the reasoning.
"It wouldn't even be 10 years; it'd be maybe seven or eight," Nacua said. "AD, I think of Aaron Donald, to go out at the top, I think it would be super cool. But then also … I want to have a big family. I want to have at least a starting five. I came from a big family. I need five. Boys. I need five boys for sure. But also, I want to be a part of their lives and be as active as I can with them.
"The injuries are something that you can't control part of the game."
Nacua's debut season coincided with Donald's farewell campaign in 2023.
A fifth-round pick out of BYU, the wideout exploded onto the scene with L.A., which was dealing with the absence of Cooper Kupp to injuries.
Nacua produced an NFL-rookie record 1,486 receiving yards on a then-rookie-best 105 receptions.
Last season, Nacua had 79 grabs for 990 yards and three touchdowns, but missed six games due to a knee injury.
Thus, Nacua already knows full well about the harsh reality of the injury business.
He became close with Kupp, who was released this month and picked up by the rival Seattle Seahawks. Kupp reached the pinnacle with the Rams, winning the Super Bowl MVP to conclude the 2021 season, before having his L.A. story cut short after injuries piled up the past three seasons.
Still, just two years into a burgeoning career, it's somewhat stunning that Nacua already has an exit strategy. Nonetheless, in the world of the NFL, seven years can be an eternity and it's always good to have a game plan.
Said Nacua: "I want to retire early."
