Puka Nacua: The Rise of a Rams Phenomenon
An in-depth exploration of the record-breaking wide receiver's journey from collegiate standout to NFL sensation.
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Player Profile
Nacua in 2024
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| No. 17 โ Los Angeles Rams | |
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| Position: | Wide receiver |
| Personal Information | |
| Born: | May 29, 2001 (age 24) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Career Information | |
| High school: | Orem High School (Orem, Utah) |
| College: | Washington (2019โ2020) BYU (2021โ2022) |
| NFL draft: | 2023: 5th round, 177th pick |
| Career History | |
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| Roster status: | Active |
| Career Highlights and Awards | |
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Rookie Sensation
Puka Nacua, born May 29, 2001, is an American professional football player who has rapidly ascended to prominence as a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). His collegiate career spanned two distinguished programs: the Washington Huskies and the BYU Cougars. Selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Nacua exceeded all expectations, shattering rookie records for receiving yards and receptions. His exceptional debut season earned him a coveted spot in the Pro Bowl and recognition as a second-team All-Pro, marking him as one of the league's most impactful emerging talents.
Early Life and Beginnings
Heritage and Roots
Nacua possesses a rich heritage, with Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese ancestry. He was given the nickname "Puka," a Samoan term signifying "fat and chubby," due to his size as an infant. His formative years were spent in Provo, Utah, before his family settled in Orem, Utah, where he attended Orem High School.
High School Accolades
During his high school career at Orem High School, Nacua established himself as a record-breaking talent. He concluded his tenure with an impressive 260 receptions, amassing 5,226 receiving yards and scoring 58 receiving touchdowns. These statistics represent Utah state records, underscoring his dominance at the high school level. His outstanding performance was recognized when he was named the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year in 2018.
Collegiate Journey
Washington Huskies
Nacua commenced his collegiate football career at the University of Washington. In his freshman season, he participated in eight games, securing seven receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns before a broken foot sidelined him. The COVID-19-shortened 2020 season saw him record nine receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown across three games. Following this season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.
BYU Cougars
For the 2021 season, Nacua transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU). His inaugural season with the Cougars was highly productive, yielding 43 receptions for 805 yards and six touchdowns. He achieved over 100 receiving yards in four games during the 2021 season. A standout performance on October 15, 2022, against Arkansas included eight receptions for 141 yards and a receiving touchdown, complemented by two rushing touchdowns. In a pivotal November 5 game against Boise State, he recorded 14 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score. In the 2022 season, he finished with 48 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns, adding five rushing touchdowns on 357 yards over his two years at BYU.
College Statistics Overview
Nacua's collegiate career statistics demonstrate his consistent impact and versatility:
| Season | GP | Receiving | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | ||||||||||||
| Washington Huskies | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 8 | 7 | 168 | 24.0 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 3 | 9 | 151 | 16.8 | 1 | ||||||||||
| BYU Cougars | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 12 | 43 | 805 | 18.7 | 6 | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 9 | 48 | 625 | 13.0 | 5 | ||||||||||
| Total | 32 | 107 | 1,749 | 18.1 | 14 | ||||||||||
The NFL Draft
Pre-Draft Measurables
Nacua's physical attributes and athletic testing at the NFL Combine provided valuable insights for teams:
| Height | Weight | Arm Length | Hand Span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | Bench Press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1 5/8 in (1.87 m) |
201 lb (91 kg) |
31 1/2 in (0.80 m) |
9 1/2 in (0.24 m) |
4.57 s | 1.62 s | 2.64 s | 4.36 s | 7.32 s | 33.0 in (0.84 m) |
10 ft 1 in (3.07 m) |
15 reps |
Draft Selection
Nacua was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round, with the 177th overall pick, in the 2023 NFL Draft. This selection positioned him to compete for a role in a Rams offense looking to rebuild and find new playmakers.
Professional Career
2023 Rookie Season
Nacua made an immediate impact, earning a starting role and delivering a historic rookie campaign. In his debut against the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded 10 catches for 119 yards. He followed this with a record-breaking 15 receptions for 147 yards against the San Francisco 49ers, setting new NFL rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) in a single season. His performance also included multiple games with over 100 receiving yards and key touchdowns, including a game-winning score against the Indianapolis Colts. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 16 and earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Postseason Debut
In his first career playoff game, the NFC Wild Card Round against the Detroit Lions, Nacua delivered an outstanding performance with nine receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. This yardage total set a new single-game record for receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game.
2024 Season Challenges
The 2024 season presented challenges due to injuries. Nacua suffered a knee injury during training camp, initially diagnosed as a bursal sac issue, which caused him to miss the season opener. He was later placed on injured reserve with a PCL sprain after aggravating the injury in Week 1. After a five-game absence, he returned in Week 8, recording 106 receiving yards. However, his season was further disrupted by an ejection in Week 9 and subsequent games with mixed results, including a notable performance with 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.
Career Statistics
Regular Season Performance
Nacua's statistical output showcases his immediate impact and consistent production:
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| NFL Record (for rookies) | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2023 | LAR | 17 | 17 | 105 | 1,486 | 14.2 | 80 | 6 | 12 | 89 | 7.4 | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | LAR | 11 | 11 | 79 | 990 | 12.5 | 51 | 3 | 11 | 46 | 4.2 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 28 | 28 | 184 | 2,476 | 13.5 | 80 | 9 | 23 | 135 | 5.9 | 31 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
Postseason Statistics
Nacua's playoff performances highlight his ability to perform under pressure:
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2023 | LAR | 1 | 1 | 9 | 181 | 20.1 | 50 | 1 | 1 | -2 | -2.0 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | LAR | 2 | 2 | 11 | 141 | 12.8 | 37 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 3 | 3 | 20 | 332 | 16.1 | 50 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
Notable Records
NFL Rookie Records
Nacua's debut season was historic, setting new benchmarks for rookie wide receivers:
- Most receiving yards in a single season by a rookie: 1,486 (2023)
- Most receptions in a game by a rookie: 15 (September 17, 2023 vs. San Francisco 49ers)
Playoff Rookie Records
His playoff debut also etched his name in the record books:
- Most receiving yards in a single playoff game by a rookie: 181 (January 14, 2024 vs. Detroit Lions)
Personal Life & Interests
Family Influence
Nacua comes from a football-oriented family. His older brother, Samson, also played wide receiver and transferred to BYU alongside Puka, eventually spending time with the Indianapolis Colts. Another brother, Kai, plays safety for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL after a stint in the NFL. The passing of his father, Lionel, from diabetes complications when Puka was 11 deeply impacted him, a loss he honors through his "My Cause My Cleats" initiatives. His mother, Penina, is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Business Ventures
Beyond the gridiron, Nacua has secured significant endorsement deals, reflecting his growing marketability. In April 2024, he signed a multi-year partnership with Jordan Brand. Subsequently, in September 2024, he entered into an endorsement agreement with Gatorade, joining other prominent athletes in their campaigns. These ventures highlight his expanding influence in the sports and business landscape.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports commentary, statistical analysis, or career consultation. Always refer to official NFL sources and consult with qualified sports professionals for specific insights or advice.
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