In an electrifying rookie season, Puka Nacua has emerged not just as a promising wide receiver for the NFL, but as a record-breaking sensation. The young talent has already made his mark by shattering Bill Groman's rookie receiving yards record and Jaylen Waddle's rookie reception record, achieving a formidable 105 catches, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns.
"The first thing I wanted him to do was hold on to Cooper Kupp's coattails and train with him and do everything he does. And he took that to heart," said wide receiver coach Eric Yarber. Indeed, Nacua embraced the rigorous training regimen set by Kupp, the seasoned All-Pro wideout for the Los Angeles Rams. "He didn't exaggerate. The first few days were pretty rough for him," Kupp recalled.
As demanding as the training was, Nacua's tenacity became evident. "He kept coming back, ready to go. That speaks a lot about the guy that Puka is," Kupp continued. This relentless drive paid dividends, as it molded Nacua into a more formidable athlete. "His body is totally different. He looks just like Cooper [Kupp]. He's lost so much body fat and gained so much lean muscle," Yarber observed.
A Rigorous Off-Season
The off-season was transformative for Nacua. Training sessions starting as early as 6 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, along with noon sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, were the norm. Nacua even admitted to throwing up on Kupp’s lawn during their first week of workouts. "My nutrition definitely did change after starting workouts [with Kupp] because I was like, 'Hey, I can't keep showing up at 6 a.m. and throwing up. So I was like maybe I'll wait to eat after,'" Nacua admitted. His commitment extended to his diet as well, shedding ten pounds off his 220-pound frame by cutting down on fried foods and nutrient-dense staples like rice and taro.
"I feel slimmer in my body fat and just feel more firm in the weight I'm at. A little more muscle definition is always nice," Nacua stated, expressing satisfaction with his physical transformation.
Accolades and Authentic Humility
Nacua's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He played in his first Pro Bowl and even found time to engage with fans by riding a Zamboni at a Los Angeles Kings game, dunking at the NBA All-Star celebrity game, attending courtside seats at a Lakers game, and watching an exhibition tennis match featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. He capped off his season with a week in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week.
Teammate and mentor, Cooper Kupp, shared in Nacua's successes, even sending a congratulatory text. Head coach Sean McVay remarked, "There was obviously a lot of accolades that came with the production that he had, but that's accompanied with an authentic humility." Nacua himself remains driven to improve, despite leading the league in drops last season. "I know I can correct those mistakes and be able to watch the ball in more and snag every ball that comes my way," he stated, demonstrating a commitment to refining his game.
A Promising Future
Nacua's personal life also saw a heartwarming moment, as his youngest brother, Tei Nacua, committed to BYU. This continued the tradition of athletic excellence within the Nacua family.
As Puka Nacua looks ahead, his goal remains resolute. "I feel last year was so much fun and I learned a lot, but there's still so much stuff on the table." He continues to aspire to the standards set by Kupp. "I'm trying to still reach Coop's expectations because he set the standard for us in the wide receiver room."
Puka Nacua's rookie year was more than just an introduction to the NFL; it was a statement of potential and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary career. His journey from a promising rookie to a record-breaking star is a testament to the importance of perseverance, humility, and relentless hard work.