New story: Puka Nacua's Sudden Rise to NFL Stardom
The Los Angeles Rams’ fifth-round pick seemingly came out of nowhere to become this season’s breakout star receiver, but he won’t stop working to prove he belongs
Hey everyone :)
My newest story for The Ringer is on Puka Nacua. He’s quickly become an overnight sensation for the Rams, but his story is so much deeper. He’s been through a lot. A lot of loss, a lot of pain. But those painful experiences have created an extraordinary sense of optimism and hope. His spirit, his joy, it’s palpable when he plays, and when you talk to him. I wanted this story to capture not just his magnificent play for the Rams, but how he proved so many people wrong to get to this point, how he dealt with much grief over the years to find his way. It’s a story about family, love, gratitude, work ethic, and finding the right team at the right time. In his words: “"If they believe in me that much, then why should I not believe in myself?”
Please read it and share if you can! “X” sucks, I have to admit, but I am also on Instagram now :) MirinFader.
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2023/10/10/23910514/los-angeles-rams-puka-nacua-rookie-receiver-rise-to-nfl-stardom
In other news: I am in the home stretch of my Hakeem Olajuwon book! It will be coming out sometime fall 2024. Approaching deadline has been a whirlwind. I can’t tell you how much, though, through all the stress of trying to finish a second book, I have enjoyed this process. I knew it was a topic I was passionate about, which is why I pitched it. But I *really* fell in love with it, the more I got into the reporting. It’s historical, it’s present. I’m trying to bridge the gap between the past and present. Dream *is* that link.
I hope you’ll love it when it is out. I’ll keep you posted.
I’ve finally had some time to catch up on reading, and attend some fabulous author events, including Zadie Smith and Lauren Groff. Two books I have read recently that I’d recommend: Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo and Rouge by Mona Awad. Both of these authors create worlds that many of us could only dream of. They’re masters at character development, getting into the interior of someone’s thoughts. This quote from Rouge really got to me: “Memory lives everywhere in the body. Down the back. In the neck and in the hands. Even the feet.” What we go through *sticks* with us. For years. For a lifetime. That is why I found the reporting for the Puka story to be so refreshing. Yes, his pain stuck with him. It also fueled him.
Thanks for reading everyone. I appreciate it more than you know.