Puka Nacua emerged as a significant contributor for the Los Angeles Rams last season after being selected out of BYU in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nacua enjoyed a historic year that saw him set the NFL rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards while adding six touchdowns in 17 games. He added nine additional catches for 181 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ loss to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round.
Nacua was among the finalists for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, a group that included Lions teammates Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, and eventual winner C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans.
Although he fell short of the honor, Nacua received praise from Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner and Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, among others, at the NFL Honors in Las Vegas last week:
Respect from some of the best to do it. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/CYIQBBCdTc
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 9, 2024
Nacua is only 22 years old and already has earned the respect from some of the league’s most accomplished veterans. He earned All-Pro Second Team honors for his work and left a lasting impression on his peers.
Bigger things await Nacua in 2024, who is expected to once again be an instrumental part of the Rams offense next season.
Puka Nacua wins best catch at 2024 Pro Bowl Games
Nacua won the best catch at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games after hauling in a pass from former NFL quarterback Jimmy Clausen while wakeboarding behind a boat.
Nacua defeated Cleveland Browns tight end David, Njoku attempted to catch a pass from Chad Henne after doing a backflip into the water. He also bested Njoku in a friendly game of Madden to earn the Skills Challenge MVP.
Nacua later participated in the flag football game and caught several passes from the likes of Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield.
