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Rams Star Puka Nacua Personally Meets and Apologizes to Seahawks Rookie Devon Witherspoon, Expressing Deep Regret After Unsportsmanlike Conduct in 38–37 Loss to Seattle

Seattle, Washington – December 21, 2025

Forty-eight hours after one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged games of the NFL season, a quiet moment of accountability unfolded — far from the noise of the stadium and the adrenaline of game day.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua personally sought out Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks to offer a direct apology, following time spent reflecting on his unsportsmanlike behavior during the Rams’ heartbreaking 38–37 loss to Seattle.

According to multiple team sources, the meeting took place roughly 48 hours after the final whistle, in a private area near the Seahawks’ locker room facilities. There were no cameras and no media presence — just two players facing one another after emotions had cooled and perspective had set in.

The incident stemmed from the closing moments of the fourth quarter, when the Rams watched a 16-point lead dissolve as the Seahawks completed a historic comeback. Amid rising frustration and mounting pressure, a contested play near the sideline led to a heated exchange between Nacua and Witherspoon, drawing visible reactions from both sidelines.

After taking time to process the moment, Nacua chose not to let it pass without accountability.

“I wanted to find Devon and apologize to him directly,” Nacua said. “He’s a young player who competes with a lot of heart, and I let my emotions get the best of me in that moment. After looking back on it, I knew I needed to face it and take responsibility for my actions.”

Witherspoon, the Seahawks’ rookie standout, accepted the apology with composure and grace — a response that earned respect throughout Seattle’s locker room.

“I understand how intense and demanding that game was,” Witherspoon said. “Both sides played with pride, emotion, and everything they had. For him to step up, look me in the eye, and apologize showed real respect — and that’s something I truly appreciate.”

For Nacua, the apology carried meaning beyond a sideline incident. The second-year Rams receiver, known for his relentless competitive edge, emphasized that respect remains a foundational principle of the NFL.

“This league is built on respect,” Nacua added. “You can play hard and compete at the highest level, but you can’t let emotion pull you away from who you are.”

The Seahawks walked away from the game with a historic victory and control of their playoff destiny. The Rams were left with lingering disappointment. Yet amid the fallout, Nacua’s decision to reach out after 48 hours of reflection stood as a rare bright spot — a reminder that even after the most painful losses, professionalism and mutual respect still have a place in the NFL.

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Seahawks Hero Rashid Shaheed Speaks Out After Fateful Play — The Story Behind the Injury and the 38–37 Comeback Win Over the Rams That Left the Seahawks Community in Awe
Seattle, Washington – December 21, 2025 In a season defined by the thinnest of margins, the Seattle Seahawks found their turning point in one unforgettable play — and in one player willing to pay for it with his body. Rashid Shaheed, the return specialist and wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, has spoken publicly for the first time about the injury he suffered after the pivotal punt return that sparked Seattle’s dramatic comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams, a 38–37 thriller in Week 16. At the time, Seattle trailed by 16 points late in the fourth quarter. Lumen Field had gone quiet. The Rams were firmly in control. Belief was fading. But Shaheed saw what the Seahawks had prepared for all week — a weakness in the Rams’ special teams structure. pic.twitter.com/56i3agKrLX — Smart True (@SmartTrue197118) December 20, 2025 The punt was secured, one hard plant followed, and then space opened along the sideline. Shaheed exploded for a 58-yard return that instantly reignited the Seahawks’ sideline and the crowd. That moment, however, came with a clear cost. “I knew something wasn’t right the moment I hit the ground,” Shaheed said. “The hits came late and piled up, and the pain set in fast. But all I could think was this: if I went down, the Seahawks would lose a win this team had bled for, trusted in, and earned over the course of the entire game — so I forced myself to stay up, even if it was just for a few more steps.” Shaheed left the field visibly hurting and was limited for the remainder of the game. Still, the impact of that play went far beyond the stat sheet. Seattle scored shortly after, cutting the deficit and dragging the Rams into an entirely different game. Belief returned. And Shaheed, despite not being at full strength, continued to leave his mark. His 31-yard end-around at a critical moment set up the game-tying drive, paving the way for one of the most remarkable comebacks in franchise history. Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized afterward that the moment was no accident — but the product of preparation, discipline, and mental toughness. As for Shaheed, he views the injury as part of the profession — the price paid for moments that can define an entire season. With the win, the Seahawks seized control of their own playoff destiny in the NFC. And when this season is remembered, that painful sprint down the sideline may stand as the moment Seattle refused to break — led by a player who decided that staying upright for a few more steps mattered more than the pain he was feeling.