History of Puka Nacua in Timeline

Makea "Puka" Nacua is a professional American 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. In his rookie season, Nacua broke the NFL rookie record for receiving yards and receptions. His outstanding performance earned him Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.

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Full Timeline

1960: NFL Rookie Record

In 1960, Bill Groman set an NFL rookie record of 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.

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: NFL Rookie Record

In 2019, DK Metcalf set the single-game record for receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game with 160 yards.

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season

During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown in three games for Washington. After the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.

October 16, 2021: Career-Best Performance against Baylor

On October 16, 2021, Puka Nacua had a college career-best 168 receiving yards with a touchdown in a game against Baylor.

2021: NFL Rookie Record

In 2021, Jaylen Waddle set an NFL rookie record of 104 receptions.

October 15, 2022: Multiple Touchdowns Against Arkansas

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

2022: BYU Season Stats

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

2022: Cooper Kupp Sidelined with Hamstring Injury

In the 2022 season, Cooper Kupp was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

September 10, 2023: Rookie Debut Against Seattle Seahawks

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

2023: NFL Draft Selection

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

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. He then exceeded expectations by setting NFL rookie records.

2023: Performance Against Detroit

In the 2023 NFC Wild Card Game, Nacua had 9 receptions for 181 yards against Detroit.

April 25, 2024: Signs with Jordan Brand

On April 25, 2024, Puka Nacua signed a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Jordan Brand along with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

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 and was declared week-to-week.

August 28, 2024: Partnership with Little Caesars

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

September 4, 2024: Endorsement Deal with Gatorade

On September 4, 2024, Puka Nacua signed an endorsement deal with Gatorade, along with other NFL players.

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.

October 2025: Birth of his son

In October 2025, Puka Nacua's son was born with his college girlfriend, Hallie.

December 2025: Experian Ad Campaign

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

2025: Controversy with Adin Ross

During the 2025 season, Puka Nacua faced scrutiny after appearing on a livestream with Adin Ross, where he performed an antisemitic gesture and later apologized. He was also fined $25,000 by the NFL for criticizing game officials.