Puka Nacua’s present to Matthew Stafford for winning MVP: ‘I’ll watch your kids’

Before Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford attempts to take home the NFL MVP Award during Thursday night’s NFL Honors ceremony, wide receiver Puka Nacua has already lined up a congratulations-gift: Most Valuable Babysitter.

“I have an offer for him,” Nacua told The California Post, grinning through the sincerity. “You and your wife can go out on a date night. Matthew. I’ll watch your kids. I’ll probably have to hire a nanny, but I’ll be at your house, and can at least watch your house.”

The act of service gift for Stafford was classic Nacua — earnest, hilarious, and quietly profound.

Stafford, the Rams’ veteran quarterback is considered to be the frontrunner for MVP after leading the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns this season. He’s always been durable, but this season he reached another level. 

During the Rams loss to the Seahawks in the NFC title game last Sunday, Stafford threw for three touchdowns, giving him a total of 52 — regular season and playoffs — on the year. He’s just the fourth quarterback all time to throw for 50 or more touchdowns in a season, and just one of three to do it twice in a career.

After the heartbreaking loss to the Seahawks, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, posted a video of her husband tucking his four daughters into bed. 

That’s why Nacua’s offer isn’t just about babysitting. It’s about the 24-year-old receiver understanding that greatness often costs something at home. And about a locker room that understands the best gift you can give someone that can buy anything, is something more valuable than diamonds or dollars: it’s time. 

While Stafford’s MVP trophy will probably sit on a shelf, the real reward might be something rarer in the NFL: a quiet night out, a front door locked, kids asleep — and a teammate who understands that value isn’t always measured in yards or votes.

Sometimes, it’s measured in trust.

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