Puka Nacua was among the Los Angeles Rams representatives at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida, and he added to what had already been an unforgettable rookie season.
Nacua faced Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku in the Best Catch competition, and both players showed off their skills in the water.
The Rams rookie won the contest after catching a pass from former NFL quarterback Jimmy Clausen while wakeboarding behind a boat. Njoku attempted to haul in a pass from Chad Henne after doing a backflip into the water but couldn’t complete the catch.
Nacua also defeated Njoku in a friendly game of Madden to earn the Skills Challenge MVP. Nacua helped the NFC earn six points that proved to be key in their 64-59 win over the AFC.
.@ASAPpuka from a… wakeboard?!
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN pic.twitter.com/A1oW7SM1Zq
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 2, 2024
Best Catch Winner, @AsapPuka!!!
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN / ABC pic.twitter.com/dEqsY4GAaF
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 4, 2024
Puka with the grab! 🙌
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN / ABC pic.twitter.com/SOJRhnjRFk
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 4, 2024
Puka Nacua, All Hands Team. 🙌
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN / ABC pic.twitter.com/jR1r8mM79X
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 4, 2024
.@AsapPuka signing off from the #ProBowlGames! Can’t wait to see you back at SoFi. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/6JiJEw7nnA
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 4, 2024
Nacua also competed in the flag football game and caught several passes from the likes of Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield.
The 22-year-old was selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and he quickly emerged as one of the team’s biggest contributors on offense.
Nacua enjoyed a historic season that saw him set the NFL rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards while adding six touchdowns.
Puka Nacua happy his mom saw him make NFL history
Nacua’s record-setting performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 was extra special as his mother was in attendance at Levi’s Stadium.
“That was super sweet. I saw my mom at the beginning of the game and we were able to have a moment. It was cool for her to be here in this environment,” Nacua said.
“I think the last time we were here, my older brother Kai was on the team, for the 49ers, not the Rams. It was kind of a moment that hit me earlier in the game and it was a full circle moment of experiencing it all and I’m glad my family was able to be here to experience it with me.”
