History of Puka Nacua in Timeline

Makea "Puka" Nacua is a professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. He played college football at Washington and BYU before being drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Nacua had an outstanding rookie season, breaking NFL rookie records for both receiving yards and receptions. His performance led to Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors, marking him as a significant talent in the league.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

1960: Bill Groman's Receiving Yards Record

In 1960, Bill Groman set a record with 1,473 receiving yards.

May 29, 2001: Puka Nacua's Birth

On May 29, 2001, Makea "Puka" Nacua was born. He later became a professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.

Others born on this day/year

2018: Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year

In 2018, Puka Nacua was named the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year.

2019: DK Metcalf's playoff receiving yards record

In 2019, DK Metcalf set a rookie single-game record for receiving yards in a playoff game.

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season

In 2020, Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown in three games during the team's COVID-19-shortened season.

October 16, 2021: Career-Best Performance against Baylor

On October 16, 2021, Puka Nacua had a college career-best performance against Baylor, with five receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown.

2021: Jaylen Waddle's Reception Record

In 2021, Jaylen Waddle set a record with 104 receptions.

October 15, 2022: Performance Against Arkansas

On October 15, 2022, Puka Nacua had eight receptions for 141 yards and a receiving touchdown to go with two rushing touchdowns against Arkansas.

2022: Season Statistics

In 2022, Puka Nacua finished the season with 48 receptions for 625 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.

2022: Rams injury-riddled season

In 2022, The Los Angeles Rams had an injury-riddled season.

September 10, 2023: Rookie Debut Against Seattle Seahawks

On September 10, 2023, Puka Nacua made his NFL debut for the Rams against the Seattle Seahawks, recording 10 catches for 119 yards in a 30–13 victory.

2023: Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams

In 2023, Puka Nacua was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

2023: NFL Draft Selection

In 2023, Puka Nacua was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

2023: NFC Wild Card Game Performance

In the 2023 NFC Wild Card Game, Nacua caught nine passes for 181 yards.

April 25, 2024: Signs deal with Jordan Brand

On April 25, 2024, Puka Nacua signed a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Jordan Brand.

August 4, 2024: Knee Injury During Training

On August 4, 2024, Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury during training, bursting the bursa sac in his right knee.

August 28, 2024: Partnership with Little Caesars

On August 28, 2024, Puka Nacua was announced as one of seven NFL players that Little Caesars would have individual partnerships with.

September 4, 2024: Endorsement deal with Gatorade

On September 4, 2024, Puka Nacua signed an endorsement deal with Gatorade.

2024: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

In 2024, Puka Nacua was ranked 33rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

March 11, 2025: Jersey Number Change

On March 11, 2025, the Rams announced that Puka Nacua would be switching his jersey number from 17 to 12, his college number.

October 2025: Birth of Son

In October 2025, Puka Nacua and his college girlfriend, Hallie, had a son.

December 2025: "Big Financial Friend" Ad Campaign with Experian

In December 2025, Experian began airing a new national "Big Financial Friend" ad campaign that featured Puka Nacua.

2025: Antisemitic Gesture and NFL Fine

During the 2025 season, Puka Nacua appeared on a livestream with Adin Ross and performed an antisemitic gesture, later apologizing and claiming ignorance of its nature. He also criticized NFL officials on the livestream and after a Week 16 game, resulting in a $25,000 fine by the NFL. He had also tried to bring Ross into the Rams facility.

2025: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

In 2025, Puka Nacua was ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2025: Locker Room Livestream Controversy

In 2025, following a Week 14 win against the Arizona Cardinals, Puka Nacua faced controversy after live-streaming from the Rams' locker room against team policy. Despite teammates' requests to stop, Nacua continued and denied the live-stream when confronted. He then moved to another area of the locker room before ending the broadcast shortly after.

March 25, 2026: Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Nacua

On March 25, 2026, Puka Nacua was named in a civil lawsuit filed by a woman named Madison Atiabi, accusing him of making "numerous unprovoked antisemitic statements" and biting her on the shoulder during a New Year's Eve incident. Nacua denied the allegations, with his attorney planning a defamation lawsuit. On April 1, he checked himself into a rehabilitation center.