No player in NFL history has ever had more receiving yards in their rookie season than Puka Nacua. On Sunday, Nacua broke the long-standing record, eclipsing Bill Groman’s 1,473 yards set back in 1960.
Nacua came into the game needing only 29 yards to break the record, and he registered 28 on the opening drive to tie Groman. On the Rams’ first possession of the second half, he broke the record with a 7-yard catch.
On the very next play, he caught a 6-yard pass to break the record for the most receptions by a rookie in one season, giving him 105 on the year to pass Jaylen Waddle, who had 101.
The Rams pulled Nacua after those two plays, so he’ll finish the season with 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns – a remarkable rookie season for the young receiver out of BYU.
The Rams drafted Nacua with the final pick in the fifth round this year and he’s become the biggest steal of the entire class. He’s exceeded all expectations as a fifth-round rookie, putting himself in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
THERE IT IS! THE RECEIVING YARDS ROOKIE RECORD!
📺 @NFLonFOX | @ASAPpuka pic.twitter.com/uYmZRNvuUO
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2024
AND THE ROOKIE RECEPTIONS RECORD!
📺 @NFLonFOX | @ASAPpuka pic.twitter.com/Gw9g7a96UK
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2024
