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Puka Nacua

Makea "Puka" Nacua (/ˈpuːkə nəˈkuːə/;[2] born May 29, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars after transferring from Washington. Selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, Nacua set rookie records for receiving yards and receptions, along with being named to the Pro Bowl and as a second-team All-Pro.

Puka Nacua
refer to caption
Nacua with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023
No. 17 – Los Angeles Rams
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (2001-05-29) May 29, 2001 (age 23)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.[1]
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:Orem
(Orem, Utah)
College:Washington (2019–2020)
BYU (2021–2022)
NFL draft:2023 / round: 5 / pick: 177
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
NFL records
  • Receptions in a rookie season: 105
  • Receiving yards in a rookie season: 1,486
  • Receptions by a rookie in a game: 15
  • Receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game: 181
Career NFL statistics as of Week 15, 2024
Receptions:166
Receiving yards:2,291
Receiving touchdowns:9
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Nacua is of Samoan, Hawaiian and Portuguese descent.[3] He acquired the nickname "Puka", meaning fat and chubby in Samoan, due to his size as a baby.[4] He grew up in Provo, Utah, and attended Orem High School in Orem, Utah.[5] Nacua finished his high school career with 260 catches, 5,226 receiving yards, and 58 receiving touchdowns, all of which are Utah state records.[6][7] He was named the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year in 2018.

College career

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Washington

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Nacua began his college career at Washington. He played in the first eight games of his freshman season and caught seven passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a broken foot.[8] Nacua had nine receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown in three games during the team's COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.[9] Following the end of the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[10]

Brigham Young University

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Nacua transferred to BYU for the 2021 season.[11] In his first season, he caught 43 passes for 805 yards and six touchdowns.[12] He had four games going over the 100-yard mark in the 2021 season.[13]

 
Nacua in 2021

On October 15, 2022, against Arkansas, he had eight receptions for 141 yards and a receiving touchdown to go with two rushing touchdowns.[14] On November 5, in a victory over Boise State, he had 14 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns including a game-winning touchdown on fourth and goal to put BYU in front 31-28 with 32 seconds left.[15]

In the 2022 season, he had 48 receptions for 625 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[16] He ran the ball 39 times for 357 yards (an average of 9.2 yards per rush) and scored five touchdowns on the ground during his two seasons at BYU.

College statistics

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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

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Pre-draft measurables
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
Sources:[17][18]

Nacua was selected by the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL) in the fifth round, 177th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft.[19]

2023 season

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See also: 2023 Los Angeles Rams season

In his first professional football game, Nacua caught three passes for 32 yards including an 11-yard touchdown reception in a 34-17 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The performance elevated him to the starting lineup and he did not see further action during the preseason. Nacua made his rookie debut as a starter for the Rams on September 10, 2023, against the rival Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. The Seahawks were heavy favorites because the Rams were coming off of an injury-riddled 2022 season and the team was without star receiver Cooper Kupp, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite this, Nacua was a formidable piece of the team's offense, making 10 catches for 119 yards in his debut as the Rams beat the Seahawks 30–13.[20][21] Though he was first questionable with a rib injury, in his second game, Nacua broke the NFL single-game record for catches by a rookie as he caught 15 passes for 147 yards in a 30–23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.[22] The 25 catches over his first two games was another rookie record, surpassing Earl Cooper's 43-year-old mark of 19, and he also became the first player to record more than 10 catches and more than 100 yards in each of his first two NFL games.[23]

In a Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Nacua had nine receptions for 163 yards.[24] Nacua got his first NFL touchdown in overtime on a 22-yard reception to beat the Colts 29–23.[25] During a Week 7 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nacua finished with 154 receiving yards on eight receptions as the Rams lost 17–24.[26] Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, Nacua surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the year with a 70-yard touchdown reception as the Rams won 36–19.[27] In Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, Nacua caught nine passes for 164 yards with a touchdown and ran twice for 16 yards and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.[28][29] Against the New York Giants in Week 17, Nacua caught five passes for 118 yards, including a season-long 80-yard catch-and-run to set up a touchdown in the Rams' 26–25 victory.[30][31] He finished the season with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards, setting new NFL rookie single season records for total receptions (breaking the previous mark of 104 set by Jaylen Waddle in 2021) and total receiving yards (breaking the previous mark of 1,473 set by Bill Groman in 1960).[32][33] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[34] In his first career playoff game, Nacua caught nine passes for 181 yards including a 50-yard touchdown in the Rams' 24–23 loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Round.[35] The yardage total set a new single-game record for receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game, breaking the previous mark 160 set by Seattle's DK Metcalf in 2019.[36]

2024 season

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See also: 2024 Los Angeles Rams season

On August 4, 2024, Nacua suffered an injury during training, bursting the bursa sac in his right knee.[37] Following the injury, Nacua was declared as week-to-week, and did not start practicing again until August 26.[38] On September 4, he had done a full practice and was cleared by the Rams for the season-opener game against the Detroit Lions.[39] In the 26–20 loss to the Lions on September 8, Nacua caught four passes for 35 yards and ran the ball once for seven yards, but exited the game in the second quarter and did not return. The next day, Nacua was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain and was placed on injured reserve.[40] After missing five games, Nacua was activated off injured reserve on October 24 and played in the Rams' Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with 106 receiving yards in a 30–20 victory.[41] A week later, Nacua caught one pass for 11 yards at Seattle, but was ejected from the game in the second quarter for unsportsmanlike conduct after throwing a punch during a post-play altercation with Seahawks Linebacker Tyrel Dodson.[42] On December 8, Nacua put up 162 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, and one rushing touchdown in a 44–42 win over the Buffalo Bills. He also became the first player in Rams franchise history to put up at least 150 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in a game.[43] Four days later in a Week 15 Thursday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua caught seven passes for 97 yards in a touchdown-free, rain-filled 12-6 victory at Levi's Stadium.[44] One of those catches was a jaw-dropping catch against 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward early in the first quarter. Many fans compared this play to David Tyree's Helmet Catch against the New England Patriots in the final two minutes of Super Bowl XLII.[45] Nacua also ran the ball two times for 11 yards.

NFL career statistics

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Legend
NFL record (for rookies)
Bold Career high

Regular season

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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 10 10 69 861 12.5 51 3 11 46 4.2 9 1 0 0
Career 27 27 174 2,347 13.5 80 9 23 135 5.9 31 1 1 0

Postseason

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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
Career 1 1 9 181 20.1 50 1 1 −2 −2.0 −2 0 1 0

Personal life

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Nacua's older brother, Samson, also plays wide receiver, and transferred from the University of Utah to BYU at the same time that Puka transferred from Washington. Samson went undrafted and spent time with the Indianapolis Colts.[46] Another older brother, Kai Nacua, plays safety for the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League after also previously playing in the NFL.[47] Nacua's father, Lionel, died from complications of diabetes when Puka was 11.[48] His mother, Penina, belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[49]

Nacua played Pop Warner football with Dana White III, son of UFC CEO and president Dana White.[50]

Business interests

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On April 25, 2024, Nacua signed a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Jordan Brand along with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.[51]

On September 4, Nacua signed an endorsement deal with Gatorade, along with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and flag football player Diana Flores.[52]

References

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  1. ^ Fader, Mirin (October 10, 2023). "There's Heartbreak Behind Puka Nacua's Sudden Rise to NFL Stardom". The Ringer.
  2. ^ MILE-WR Puka Nacua Interview. MILE-WR. February 14, 2018. Event occurs at 0:13. Retrieved April 30, 2023 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ King, Peter (September 25, 2023). "The Puka Story". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  4. ^ "Murphy, Bryan (September 25, 2023). "How to pronounce Puka Nacua: A guide to talking about Rams rookie and his real first name". The Sporting News. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Jones, Tony (August 10, 2018). "Orem's Puka Nacua is the youngest of three standout football players ... and he may be the best of the three". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  6. ^ Vorel, Mike (February 10, 2019). "The wait is over. Four-star wide receiver Puka Nacua breaks silence and commits to Washington". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  7. ^ McCann, Dave (February 7, 2022). "BYU football: How Puka Nacua is polishing craft during the offseason". Deseret News. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  8. ^ Vorel, Mike (November 2, 2019). "UW freshman wide receiver Puka Nacua will miss 4–5 weeks with a broken foot". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  9. ^ Judd, Brandon (March 12, 2021). "BYU football: What will Puka Nacua and Samson Nacua bring to Cougars?". Deseret News. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  10. ^ Vorel, Mike (March 8, 2021). "'This is not how I wanted it to go': UW wide receiver Puka Nacua discusses decision to transfer to BYU". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  11. ^ McDonald, Ryan (March 8, 2021). "Puka, Samson Nacua announce they're transferring to BYU". Deseret News. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  12. ^ Thamel, Pete (September 9, 2022). "BYU receivers Puka Nacua, Gunner Romney to miss Saturday's game vs. Baylor due to injuries, sources say". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  13. ^ "Puka Nacua 2021 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  14. ^ "Arkansas at BYU Box Score, October 15, 2022". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  15. ^ "BYU at Boise State Box Score, November 5, 2022". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  16. ^ "Puka Nacua 2022 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  17. ^ "Puka Nacua Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  18. ^ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Puka Nacua College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  19. ^ Reynolds, Kevin (April 29, 2023). "NFL draft: BYU's Freeland, Hall and Nacua are selected on third day, along with Utah's Phillips III and Daniels". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  20. ^ Judd, Brandon (September 10, 2023). "Former BYU star Puka Nacua makes history with 100-yard receiving day in his NFL debut". Deseret News. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  21. ^ Kerr, Jeff (September 17, 2023). "Rams' Puka Nacua sets record: Rookie WR makes NFL history with 25 catches in first two games". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  22. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams - September 17th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  23. ^ Barshop, Sarah (September 17, 2023). "Puka Nacua's 15-catch game for Rams breaks NFL rookie records". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  24. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Indianapolis Colts - October 1st, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  25. ^ "NFL roundup: Puka Nacua, Rams outlast Colts in OT". Reuters. October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  26. ^ Edwards, Josh (October 24, 2023). "NFL's top rookie performances of Week 7: Puka Nacua on historic pace, Devon Witherspoon in lockdown mode". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  27. ^ Werner, Barry (December 3, 2023). "Puka Nacua goes over 1,000 yard mark on 70 yard touchdown reception". USAToday.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  28. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams - December 21st, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  29. ^ Alper, Josh (December 27, 2023). "Puka Nacua is the NFC offensive player of the week". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  30. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants - December 31st, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  31. ^ DaSilva, Cameron (December 31, 2023). "Watch: Puka Nacua breaks a tackle, goes for 80 yards vs. Giants". Rams Wire. USA Today. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  32. ^ "Puka Nacua 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  33. ^ Barshop, Sarah (January 7, 2024). "Nacua breaks rookie records for yards, catches". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  34. ^ "2023 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  35. ^ "Wild Card - Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions - January 14th, 2024". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  36. ^ Lundquist, Casey (January 14, 2024). "Puka Nacua Sets Record for Most Receiving Yards by Rookie in Playoff Game". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  37. ^ Greenspan, Dan (August 6, 2024). "Rams WR Puka Nacua out with knee injury but should be ready for season opener". AP News. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  38. ^ McCarriston, Shanna (August 29, 2024). "Puka Nacua injury update: Rams WR practicing fully, 'ready to roll' for Week 1 after dealing with knee issue". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  39. ^ "Rams' Puka Nacua: Clear of knee injury". CBS Sports. September 4, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  40. ^ Podell, Garrett (September 9, 2024). "Puka Nacua injury: Rams WR to miss at least 4 games on injured reserve; several offensive linemen banged up". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  41. ^ Barshop, Sarah (October 24, 2024). "Rams WR Puka Nacua has 106 yards in return from knee injury". ESPN. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  42. ^ Rasmussen, Karl (November 3, 2024). "Rams WR Puka Nacua Ejected After Throwing Punch at Seahawks CB Tyrel Dodson". SI.com. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  43. ^ Strauss, Ben (December 9, 2024). "Puka Nacua's historic game draws rare Sean McVay 'igniter' compliment". ClutchPoints. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  44. ^ Dragon, Tyler (December 12, 2024). "Winners and losers of Thursday Night Football: Rams defeat 49ers in touchdown-free affair". USA Today. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  45. ^ Sullivan, Tyler (December 12, 2024). "WATCH: Puka Nacua makes ridiculous helmet catch in Rams' Week 15 win over 49ers". CBS Sports Network. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  46. ^ Gonzalez, Norma (April 9, 2021). "Why did Samson and Puka Nacua leave their respective P5 football programs to play for BYU? It was all about family". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  47. ^ Dickson, Darnell (June 25, 2021). "Samson and Puka Nacua feeling at home with BYU football". Daily Herald. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  48. ^ Jackson, Stu (November 29, 2023). "Puka Nacua's causes for My Cause My Cleats honor mother and late father". TheRams.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  49. ^ Harmon, Dick (January 5, 2024). "His father lit Puka Nacua's flame, but his mom kept the fire burning". Deseret News. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  50. ^ Mendoza, Jordan (September 11, 2023). "Who is Puka Nacua? What to know about the Rams record-setting rookie receiver". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  51. ^ Benson, Pat (April 25, 2024). "Jordan Brand Signs NFL Stars Maxx Crosby & Puka Nacua". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  52. ^ Marrero, Nathaniel (September 4, 2024). "Ravens QB Signs Deal With Gatorade". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
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