Puka Nacua, the standout rookie receiver for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, made a lasting impression with his record-breaking performance.
Despite his stellar debut season, Nacua is still striving for greatness and aiming to reach the high standards set by his teammate, Cooper Kupp.
In a recent interview, Nacua acknowledged the influence of Kupp, a former triple-crown winner, on his development as a receiver. “The standard is always high when your teammate is a player like Coop,” Nacua admitted. “He has set the bar not only for our wide receiver room but also for receivers across the NFL. I still feel like I have a long way to go to meet his expectations.”
As a fifth-round pick, Nacua exceeded expectations by recording over 100 yards in three of his first four games as a rookie. He finished the season with an impressive 105 catches, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns, earning a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection. Nacua also set a new postseason record for rookie receivers with 181 yards and a touchdown in a playoff game against Detroit.
During the offseason, Nacua dedicated himself to training with Kupp, learning valuable lessons on nutrition, rest, and conditioning from the veteran receiver. Reflecting on their workouts, Nacua shared, “I remember throwing up on Kupp’s lawn every day during our conditioning sessions. It was tough, but it helped me stay focused and prepared for the upcoming season.”
Nacua’s commitment to improvement and his partnership with Kupp signal continued growth and success in the upcoming NFL season. With Kupp’s guidance and mentorship, Nacua is poised to build on his remarkable rookie campaign and make an even bigger impact in the league.
