Inglewood, Calif. — On a sunny Sunday in Inglewood, California, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua etched his name into the annals of NFL history. As Nacua wrapped up his record-breaking day, he needed a bit of guidance: “Which way to the front of the stadium?” he asked a nearby team employee. It was a humble question from a player who had just delivered an extraordinary performance.
In his first regular-season home game, Nacua exhibited a level of skill and composure that belied his rookie status. The Los Angeles Rams may have fallen short in a 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but Nacua’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He hauled in a staggering 15 passes for 147 yards, breaking the NFL’s single-game reception record for a rookie. Not stopping there, he set an overall league record with 25 catches in the first two games of his NFL career.
Just one week ago, Nacua made a splash in his NFL debut with 10 catches for 119 yards. In his second outing, he surpassed Earl Cooper’s record, set in 1980, for the most receptions by a player in their first two games. On the very next play, Nacua eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark, becoming the first player in NFL history to achieve 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in each of his first two games.
Rams coach Sean McVay couldn’t hide his admiration, stating, “He’s a stud. The game makes sense to him. Physically and mentally tough. Works really hard. He’s very inquisitive. He asks a lot of questions, and he’s got great guys to be able to lean on. His rapport with [quarterback] Matthew [Stafford] is excellent, and Puka’s potential for improvement is limitless.”
Nacua’s name now sits alongside NFL legends, as he joins a select group of players who have recorded 100 or more receiving yards in each of their first two NFL games. The list includes DeSean Jackson (2008), Will Fuller V (2016), and Don Looney (1940). His 25 receptions over two games set a new record for rookies, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr.’s 23 catches over two games in December 2014.
Remarkably, Nacua downplayed his achievement, revealing that he wasn’t fully aware of the records he had shattered. He emphasized that his true measure of success is team victories, and he eagerly anticipates contributing to future wins.
Despite nursing an oblique injury reported during the week, Nacua delivered an outstanding performance. When asked if he felt compelled to play through the injury in Week 2, he simply stated, “[I] felt like I was able to recover through the week, and on Sunday, just let it all fly.”
As the Rams continue their journey in the absence of wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, Nacua’s rising star could be a beacon of hope for the team. Kupp’s return is anticipated in Week 5, and with Nacua’s incredible potential, Rams fans have much to look forward to this season.
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