(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: The Rams wrapped up the second day of their FREE, individual fan-accessible NFL Training Camp with a team ticket validation at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for the third consecutive year. It was quite obvious that the players and fans equally enjoyed the event: players enthusiastically demonstrated their skills, and fans appreciated the chance to see their favorites in person and cheer them on during exciting practice moves and plays. In addition, players were seen to gladly sign autographs on a variety of items, from T-shirts to jerseys to helmets to programs, at a scheduled time, allowing fans of all ages to meet them up close while making their visit to the training camp a highly memorable experience for all who attended.

After practice, and just off the field, a designated space and time were set aside for all media outlets to cover the post-practice question-and-answer sessions with coaches and players. Right after Coach McVay’s session, the media had the opportunity to hear from two highly regarded players: newly acquired NFL All-Pro edge rusher #95 Myles Garrett and popular wide receiver #12 Puka Nacua, a huge fan favorite.

This is a long transcript, but it offers valuable insights from questions posed by both experienced and new media reporters to Coach McVay and the players. We encourage all of our followers to find a comfortable place to read, grab a cold drink or your favorite beverage, or enjoy it with breakfast, lunch, or a snack. As more training camp days approach, review these key transcripts to better understand the team’s upcoming projections and preparations for the new season.

Rams Transcripts – Head Coach Sean McVay, WR Puka Nacua, DE Myles Garrett – 7/29/26, Wed.

[Head Coach Sean McVay]

(Opening Statement)…
“I want to start off and make sure there’s clarity on [guard] Justin Dedich. It was nothing to do with fireworks or anything like that with his hand. It was an accident outside, but I think when I kept it brief about that, there maybe was some interpretation of it had to do with fireworks. That was not the case at all. [We’re] expecting him to be back in a little bit of time, but it wasn’t anything like that. It was a true accident where something fell on his hand. It’s kind of a blunt trauma injury. Other than that, it was a good day. It’s a good first block. It’ll be good to be able to put the pads on so no more pajama parties.”

(On why Alaric Jackson was not at practice today)
“Just taking his medicine for some of the stuff with blood clots. So just managing that, like what we’ve always been able to do. This was just part of how the block situated. He’s in good shape. It was exclusively just managing the medicine for the situation he’s dealt with for the last year.”

(On how quarterbacks Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson are looking)
“I think they’re doing really well. I’ve been really pleased with Stetson Bennett through this first block. He’s playing the position at a high level. Ty hasn’t gotten quite as many reps, but he’s really improved a lot from the spring until now. Stetson has been a real positive and as has Ty. Stetson’s just had some more reps, but [I’ve] been really pleased with him and [his] ability to be able to create off-schedule, reading with his feet. [Quarterbacks Coach] Dave Ragone does a great job. Then obviously [quarterback] Matthew [Stafford]’s leadership in that room. When he’s out here, there’s just that presence and that ability to lead those guys. You follow his lead, you’ll be in good shape.”

(On what he’s appreciated about Ty Simpson’s reps)
“He’s doing a good job. Just really being able to take what the defense gives them. Our defense does a nice job of making you get through some different progressions. It seemed like he was able to do that. It was minimal reps, but the ones that he had seemed like he did a nice job.”

On congratulating both an offensive player and defensive player after a play in 11-on-11 today)
“Which one are you talking about? To [tight end] Colby [Parkinson] in the beginning of the practice? Yeah, that was ‘BY’ (Byron Young). He did a heck of a job as an on-the-line-of-scrimmage player. What I like is just good football. It’s not necessarily about who wins and loses, but are we having good quality football that if we can continue to raise our floor, then that’s going to be conducive for success. I love this group. I love working with them. They bring the energy. They inspire me. I like good football, whether that’s a great defensive play or offense. That just happened to be a really good play all around where Matthew [Stafford] and Colby make an unbelievable play and ‘BY’ making it that contested from where he was as a quarter-flat player is impressive.”

(On whether he’s finalized travel plans for the Australia game)
“I have, but I’m going to keep that internally. Sorry to disappoint you, but what do you think we’re going to do? It’ll be a similar approach [to past international games] and really the goal for us is to try to keep guys in as close to a rhythm and routine as possible. This is new to us even, going this far. I trust our group and most importantly, what’s going to be best for our players. We always try to take that into consideration.”

(On if he believes that ‘iron sharpens iron’ and whether it’s more beneficial for the Rams offense to practice against the Rams defense as opposed to scrimmaging with the Cowboys)
“Well, I think it’s great to be able to go against somebody else, but I am a believer that if you have great competition on both sides that you continue to be able to improve. We want to be able to callous each other. Iron sharpens iron. I do agree with that. I think the looks that we’re getting is let’s learn to lean into productive failure and understand that if we have the courage to go for it, sometimes it might not always go down. In a lot of instances, you can learn best when it doesn’t go the way you want. So, then you can correct it and then be able to apply it with no repercussions or circumstances. That’s how we want to live. I think that was one of my favorite things about last year’s team. We’ve got a lot of continuity, but you do it all over again. Those are skills that we build. So far, I’ve seen that on display.”

(On what makes OLB Byron Young so special)
“He’s got a great way about himself. All he’s done is just get better and better from his first year to second year to his third year. He’s just got this great way about himself. You want to talk about a guy that’s mentally and physically tough? He looks like the statue of David out here, but he’s awesome. I love everything about him. Told him the other day too. His attention in the meetings in terms of his nonverbal communication, he just stares a hole right through you in the best way. I love everything about this guy. He had a great day today. He’s awesome for our defense and for our team as a whole.”

(On the next steps for Young following his 12-sack season last year)
“Just continuing to take those steps. The stats aren’t exclusively a reflection. He did play better, but sometimes it’s really how are you affecting and influencing things from a defensive perspective to the offense? He does a great job of being really productive in both phases. I think he can create on his own. I think he does a great job on some of the two-and three-man games where he’s a tight wrapper, looper. He’s got position flex where he can be an underneath zone defender, but we like him when he’s going forward a lot more often than not. He’s all about the right stuff. Just continue to do what he’s done. I’ve just been really pleased with [outside linebackers coach] Joe Coniglio, the leadership in that room. It’s also cool to watch. He and [defensive end] Myles [Garrett] continue to build and develop their relationship and the respect that ‘BY’ has for a lot of the wisdom that Myles has and them really just mutually being able to share with one another.”

On what he needs to see from Puka Nacua off the field to ensure his future)
“You know how much I love him and the heart that he has. I’ve been really proud of what he’s been doing and how he’s taken accountability for some of the things that we can learn from. I want to just be able to see him continue to be that positive influence both on the field and off the field. He’s taken those steps and I am hopeful that we’ll be together for a really long time. It’s hard to say like-…I don’t know that I can really say this timeline or stuff like that because I don’t think you want to dangle a carrot that way. I think he’s inspired to do right because his heart is right. I think the contract and things like that will take care of itself because he’s an incredible player. Like anything else, he’s continuing to mature as a man. I love him. I love his heart and I love the growth that he’s had and we’re with him every step of the way.”

(On what it says about Nacua that he’s practicing despite looming questions about his contract)
“I think it says a lot about a lot of guys that are in that situation. They love football. They know that this is a great opportunity to have great community with your teammates. This is part of the game. You love the enjoyment. There is a business part of it, but I think you try to just communicate clear, open and honest with them so that they can have real clarity. All of these guys’ agents have done a great job of being able to communicate with us and we’ll see what the future holds. I would love to be able to keep all of them, but I’ve been really impressed with how they’ve handled it. I love this team and I’m grateful that those guys have taken this approach.”

(On his initial impressions of the offense and defense’s situational football so far in camp)
“It’s been good. We’re still in the early parts of our installation. Today was the first day that we had a two-minute… It’s hard to call sacks and things like that, but I think the overall operation has been pretty good. There are always things that we can clean up. We’ve gotten some tight red area work, but we try to be able to just incrementally introduce those types of things so that we as coaches and players can think alike in these situations. We can learn from it. I’ve been pleased with it while always acknowledging that we collectively can always improve and that starts with me.”

[Wide Receiver (WR) Puka Nacua]

(On the first few days of training camp)
“It’s been super exciting. To see some familiar faces, obviously, we just really went through OTAs. But going out there and being able to see [Cornerback] Trent McDuffie out there in the field. That takes me back to our days up at ‘U-Dub’ [University of Washington]. It’s been exciting. We had another player that we played with at the University of Washington just [recently] signed to the team [in Safety Alex Cook]. But it’s also been exciting. We had our competition right there towards the end of practice. Lining up pretty close to the line of scrimmage in the core, then you see ‘number 95’ [Defensive End Myles Garrett] and I’m like, ‘Yeah, you know coach, I don’t know about those chips anymore.’ It’s been super exciting to be out there and compete with the best of the best.”

(On if he feels like he’s in the best shape of his life)
“I think I’m still working it too. We haven’t got pads on yet, so I think it’ll be interesting to see. I feel great right now, the body feels good. The excitement of just getting back into playing football, being around the guys, I think keeps this first block going. So I think the mental fortitude… We’ll see how well I can continue to take care of my body as we get the pads on. [Inside Linebacker Nate] Landman hit me out there and I was like, ‘Yeah, you know, it’s the first time I’ve been hit in a while.’ It’s good to wake up the juices.”

(On if there were any changes to his diet to help him get into better shape this offseason)
“I would say my eating habits definitely have changed. I might say I still dabble in some McDonald’s every once in a while, but it’s not as common as it used to be. I’m trying to watch where I’m at and make sure that I can continue to put my foot in the ground when I need to.”

(On his goals for this season)
“I think something that coach says is that the level of consistency that you have shows how great you can be. I feel like there are a lot of things that I’ve been able to excel at. Being effective in the pass game, but especially effective in the run game. I think that I wear that badge of run game pride with a lot of honor. I go out there and I feel like ‘23’ [Running Back Kyren Williams] is my little brother even though he’s older than me. Any running back who gets the ball or anybody on our team, I think it’s a standard that’s been set in our wide receiver room and continue to set that standard for everybody else.”

(On goals for himself personally)
“I think staying healthy is one of the biggest things. I know that physicality that I play with I don’t think it’s ever going to change. It’s ingrained in me, so continue to take care of my body in the ways that I need to.”

(On if there was any consideration to not practice in training camp due to ongoing contract negotiations)
“No, not really. I think the game of football is a safe place for me and I enjoy that. There have been things outside of my control that I think have impacted the way I’ve been able to focus and enjoy this game of football. But coming out here and seeing that jersey number 12 hung up in my locker is something that I don’t take for granted. And being around this group of guys… I think of all the guys that have reached out in this offseason to be there by my side. And then when we’re here in the meeting room, the level of connection I feel like I have with all the guys out there. It never crossed my mind that I don’t want to be out here with these guys.”

(On if he takes responsibility for the stalled contract negotiations due to offseason off-the-field matters)
“Yeah, 100%. I try to take accountability for the things that I know that I can continue to change. I can grow in ways that have helped me feel as best as I can when I step out here the football field and outside of the football field. Being a father is something that has changed my life, but then also just becoming a better person. My therapist, I feel like we have a really good connection. Just the ability to communicate in different ways and to use the safe space that I have out here and finding other places that are safe place for me outside of the football field.”

(On if he has any update with any of his legal matters and if they are a distraction for him going into the season)
“I wouldn’t say so. I don’t really have any updates. Some of those things that I know that the league and our organization here is aware of. But some of those things are just doing my part and in the communication of where I’m needed. I think it’s been something for me, being able to continue to communicate and process that information, digest it so when I do step out here on this football field, I can be totally completely present.”

(On how his ability to read defenses has evolved throughout his career)
“I’d say the game has definitely slowed down. I can still vividly remember my first pass from [Quarterback] Matthew Stafford in Seattle in 2023. Just sprinting full speed in there and him being like, ‘Yo, slow down.’ So I think the game has definitely slowed down, but then also having communication. I think as somebody said just recently, having Coach Nate Scheelhaase move into the Offensive Coordinator position. Some of the things that he is communicating, some of the changes in our offense are things that he’s said in our receiver room. So being on the same page with him and then, obviously, being on the same page as Matthew. There are a lot of times where the defense feels like they’re in the best position and then ‘number nine’ finds a way to create holes that aren’t really there. It’s always fun to be on the same pages and we continue to work.”

(On what he’s seen so far from QBs Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson in training camp)
“I think it’s been really fun to see Ty. I have the opportunity to be in the quarterback room. To see the questions that he asks and his ability to ask questions, to not be afraid, to say, ‘Hey if I don’t completely understand this, I want to be on the same page as everybody else.’ And then to go out there and see Stetson get those reps and to play with the confidence I think everybody knows that he has. There’s a swagger that he has when he walks out on the football field and I know in the receiver room, you can feel that. There’s a swagger and then there’s an aura that ‘number nine’ has and it bleeds into that room. So it’s been exciting to see ‘Stetty’ [Stetson Bennett) go out there and play with the confidence to swing it. Then, to watch Ty continue to ask the right questions and when he gets his reps to go out there and play with confidence.”

(On the communication with the front office about contract negotiations)
“We haven’t had too many conversations. I know Coach has been there to support me and some of the things that’s been going on in this offseason. That’s been the main focus as we’ve gone into it, especially where we are in camp. I know that I have an understanding of that and he has an understanding that I’ll be out here to continue to play football. Some of those things that are just out of my control, hopefully, if I continue to do my part, they’ll fall into place.”

(On if he’ll go watch LeBron James’ first game against the Lakers in Los Angeles)
“I think so, 100%. I do have a Luka Dončić jersey so I’m here. Sadly, I’m definitely not flying out to Philly to make any of those games. But I did see him out in New York and I told him that, ‘I know we got a lot of tight ends and we’re running 13 personnel so if he ever wants to hang up the jersey, we got some cleats for him for sure.’”

(On rookie WR CJ Daniels’ first few days of camp)
“I think there’s a confidence when he goes out there in the football field of his skill set. I feel like everybody in our receiver room, we’re blessed to have [Wide Receiver] Davante Adams and to be able to ask questions because of the amount of experience that he’s been able to have throughout this NFL career. He’s the first one to ask questions, similar to Ty Simpson. You’re getting reps so there’s obviously opportunities for us to coach, but to ask questions when it’s not his rep. I think that’s something that CJ has gone out of his way to make sure that he’s got to have an understanding of what we’re thinking and what obviously is that the game plan that we have in our offensive plays.”

(On the importance of showing Rams fans and the rest of the league that they deserve to be Super Bowl favorites)
“It’s an exciting thing to talk about. It’s an opportunity for us to go out here and compete against each other every single day. There’s still a guy I feel like I have yet to catch a ball against and that’s Trent McDuffie. I can’t really think about going to play against anybody else. If we get the chance to go out there and compete against one of the best every single day. I feel like when I get that first one, I’m going to let him know for sure, but it’ll also be a building block to go and prepare for the games ahead.”

(On his confidence level with leaving off-field distractions in the past and not adding any other distractions)
“I feel very confident about that. I think continuing some of the things that I was able to establish into my routine, trusting and enclosing I think my circle of trust and allowing the people that I feel like have the inside parts of my life to continue to communicate and trust the people who are around me. I owe a great thank you to my support system, but especially my family through this time. There have been things that obviously have happened this offseason that haven’t been the truest reflection of the person I feel like I am and how my mother raised me. There’s definitely been conversations with her to apologize, but also for her to say that she supports me. Also, my brothers are I think are my biggest critics as well so there were some intense conversations, but loving conversations in order to see improvement.”

(On how he can improve his relationship with Davante Adams heading into their second season as teammates)
“I think there’s sometimes when he came into this the wide receiver room… the physicality that we play with. Obviously, he’s going into year 40 or whatever it might be (laughter). But the acceptance of how we operate in our receiver room. He came in and just adopted that immediately and I think it showed up in his game. And then the ability for us to be able to learn the levels of separation that he has and it’s been exciting to be able to watch him. Like I said, there’s always room to improve and when you watch ‘number 17’ go right in front of you. Yeah, there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement. It’s super exciting. And just to have that level of knowledge on different concepts, different ways to understand defenses, and just to still leverage. I think that’s something that he still does it at such a high level so it’s always really fun to watch him.”

(On if Adams looks like he’s in his 13th season in the league)
“No, no not at all (laughter). The level of knowledge that he has. Year 13 I should say it correctly so he doesn’t get mad at me but no, he looks like we’re in year four together.”

[Defensive End (DE) Myles Garrett]

(On what’s it like working with the Rams at training camp)
“It’s been a joy. I love the culture that they already have in place and many of the different players and coaches that I’ve been able to start building a relationship with. It’s been a real joy and a pleasure. I want to help continue to build that.”

(On whether joining the team is what he expected or different)
“I’ve heard stories from other players who had gone to the Browns and talked about being here in L.A. It’s about what I expected but it’s a lot different when you experience it yourself so I’m glad to be a part of something like this.”

(On his transition to Los Angeles)
“I haven’t got a lot of time to experience it. Trying to move into a house and learn a playbook and trying to create relationships with the guys. I haven’t had a lot of time to get out in L.A., but I’ve been here a little bit before and I’ve enjoyed my time.”

(On how he’s pouring into the guys and what he’s from them so far)
“I just try to create an open dialogue. I want to learn from them as well. Their rush styles and how they plan to create pressure and attack the passer. They also want to pick my brain and see what I’m thinking in different circumstances and situations and trying to find a way we can work four-as-one and create the most chaos we can in the backfield.”

(On whether he knew a lot about OLB Byron Young’s game and his impressions of him so far)
“I’ve really taken a notice into his game last year when he started off so hot and him and Jared Verse were working so well and really complemented each other. That’s when I really started to watch his tape and since then I just continue to watch. Getting the chance to play with him, it’s like how can I help elevate and play off him and take his game to another level?”

(On if he has talked to Aaron Donald on the possibility of playing with him)
“No. I’ve told him I’d love to learn from him. I’ve watched his tape. Obviously, I think everyone who’s been a rusher from anywhere across the line, they have a lot of respect for him. I don’t want to push him in one way or another. If he’s here, I’m going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime and I think we’re going to do great things. It’s a difficult thing coming back and I know he has a family. He has a lot of decisions to make. The last thing he needs is me to push him in one direction or another. I’m going to support him either way and I look forward to seeing whatever happens.”

(On whether he would work out with Aaron Donald)
“Yeah, I [have got to] go do some of his workouts. He comes and does some of mine. I think there’s a lot we can learn from each other and I’d love to pick his brain on the things he does to attack his matchups and I think the same could be said vice versa.”

(On what he thinks the hardest part would be for Donald after being away for two years)
“Just getting back to that tempo. As much as you can try to work yourself back into shape…We get a small taste of it when [we] come back from the offseason, you’ve got to get your wind and your legs back underneath you. When you get on the field and things are flying around, you [have] got to find a way to get your conditioning back to slow down the game once more and someone as great as he is, I think he can definitely come back and do it. It’s just whether he wants to do that for however many games he chooses to play.”

(On the difference between this year’s training camp and the Cleveland Browns’ training camps)
“I would just say it’s a team that has a culture that’s a little bit more set in stone with leaders all across the board and I think Cleveland has some leaders that are continuing to develop. Some great teammates that I had and some great young talent that they continue to draft or pick up. You see a lot of older veterans here who’ve had a lot of years here or a lot of years in the league and been able to learn things and develop who they are as a person, as a teammate, as a leader and they’ve helped instill a great culture here. I think that’s something that’s already ingrained and I can help to nurture, but it’ll take time.”

(On his teammates using the word ‘aura’ to describe him and whether he’s conscious of this perception)
“I guess. It’s great to hear that they have respect for me. That’s what I get from that because I have a lot of respect for them and how everyone goes about their business here so it’s very appreciated, but there’s a lot to be done, a lot of rust to knock off. Maybe the aura will increase over time.”

(On what he knows about Melbourne, Australia)
“Nothing. I know nothing about Australia. Well, other than the wildlife. I’ve taken an interest in that. I was a big Steve Irwin fan when I was a kid so that’s about as much as I know about Australia.”

(On the challenges of winning after the long plane ride)
“I mean, I can’t beat the conditions, the location. All we can do is suit up and go out there and play. It doesn’t matter where they tell us to line up. As long as you put the ball down, we’re going to go out there and do our thing.”

(On how long it will take for him to feel like a Los Angeles Ram)
“How long does it take to feel like that? I don’t know. I had a pretty good reception from the fans and the team continued to rally around me and receive me with open arms so it’s starting to feel like home rather quickly.”

(On whether he’s reminded his new teammates of any memorable plays during previous matchips from aside Kyren Williams’ chip block during a game in 2023)
“Oh yeah, I had [Williams] in a little precarious position while he was doing some treatment. I mean, that was a main one. I never saw him and he clocked my ass, but I never sacked Matthew. I played him once and I didn’t sack him. Before that, it was golf. Maybe when Aaron comes back, I’m going to get a picture with him holding a jersey. It’s hanging up in my place in Texas. That’s the only memories I have other than going against [Andrew] Whitt[worth]. He’s not out here lining up, but maybe he’ll come back. I don’t know.”

(On what makes QB Matthew Stafford so special)
“His decisiveness, his ability to make throws on time, but understanding the pocket when it’s breaking down. I would say his aura in the pocket. He has a great presence knowing when rushers are around, what time to step up, knowing how to navigate that. I think that is a great quality for QBs. It helps eliminate a lot of sacks. It definitely helps the O-line a lot. Some of the throws he makes are just magic.”

(On if he came close to sacking Stafford in practice)
“You tell me [laughter]. I think he would say I got close a couple times.”

(On if the defensive unit feels complete just four days into training camp)
“Yeah, it’s a great unit. We already play together. It’s just about building some chemistry while you’re out there, filling out guys’ rush patterns. When a guy’s trying to win, what’s his fastball? What’s his counter? How can you play off of that? There are small intricacies that you have to develop from season to season no matter where you’re at. But here, there’s such great communication across the line and what we’re going to do. It’s easy.”

(On if he has roommates at training camp and interacting with his teammates outside of football activities)
“I do not have a roommate. I sit in my room and I read. Whenever I see the guys out, we sit and chat. If we can eat together, we can talk whether it’s breakfast or lunch or dinner. I’m happy to interact with the guys, sit down and chat. It’s not just on the field. I like building relationships off the field as well.”

(On if the camaraderie around the team is similar to a college atmosphere)
“It is kind of like that. You hope to have those relationships like you had in college. You had a lot of people coming from a lot of different places for the first time. The culture was set by the head coach and it feels like that now with [Head Coach] Sean [McVay]. He’s so passionate about the game. He’s so involved in everything from offense, defense to special teams. That kind of thing is infectious. It just feels natural to want to be around the guys and get to know each other because he is that same way.”

(On whether being on a new team for the first time in his career has changed his approach)
“It hasn’t. I’m going to be the same guy, hopefully the same playmaker. I’m going to keep everything the same.”

(On how he’s finding the balance what he brings to the team and having it mesh with an existing team culture)
“It’s all a dialogue. I’m not trying to force myself on anyone or try to take over a group. This group was doing great without me. I want to just try to help elevate other guys and the playmakers that we have here. There are already leaders in each room. I want to continue to help ‘BY’ grow as a leader and some of the other guys as well like [Defensive End] Kobie [Turner] and [Defensive End Braden] Fiske, [Nose Tackle] ‘Poo’ [Poona Ford] as well. Those guys are going to continue to grow as players and make a lot of great plays for us. I just want to help where I can. If I see anything that I feel like needs improvement, I feel like we can make some changes that would help the team. I’ll be there for that.”

–Rams–