Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua set a pair of NFL records in the season finale on Sunday afternoon against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Prior to being lifted from the game by head coach Sean McVay with the NFL Playoffs looming, Nacua departed after setting the NFL records for catches and receiving yards by a rookie.
Nacua ends the regular season with 105 receptions for 1,481 yards, ending one of the most impressive rookie campaigns by a wide receiver in recent history.
Underscoring how impressive young wide receivers have been in recent years, Nacua surpassed Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase for the rookie record for most receiving yards in a season.
PUKAAAAAAAA!
📺: #LARvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/tSf1KxLMTa— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
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Nakua's family was on hand in Santa Clara, and shortly after breaking the record, the Rams' rookie made his way to the sideline for an emotional celebration with them.
Puka Nacua made history today by setting two records for most receiving yards and most receptions by a rookie.
The first person he celebrated with? His mom on the sideline ❤️
(🎥: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/0C67dlcu0L
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 7, 2024
Nacua has written a strong case to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, especially after being chosen in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Rams, with the No. 177 overall pick.
Much of Nacua's success came in place of wide receiver Cooper Kupp, but his production barely dipped once the savvy veteran returned to the Rams' lineup, thanks in part to strong chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Throughout his rookie season, Nacua surpassed 100 receiving yards seven times, including catching nine passes for a season-high 164 yards in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders. Nacua will represent the Rams in the upcoming Pro Bowl.
However, Nacua and the Rams still have some unfinished business, as Los Angeles will return to the NFL Playoffs as one of the wild card teams in the NFC.
