SANTA CLARA, Calif. – With a 7-yard catch in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 18 game, Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua broke the NFL rookie receiver yards record, long held by former Houston Oilers receiver Bill Groman was held.
Groman's initial record of 1,473 yards has stood since 1960 and he reached it in 13 games of the 14-game season.
A catch one play later meant Nacua also broke the rookie record for receptions held by Jaylen Waddle (2021). Nacua was then substituted.
“As much as it will say 'Puka Nacua,' I wish it could say all 11 guys out there (on the file),” Nacua said after the game. “It really takes all 11. You all should feel this award as much as I do.”
Nacua will finish his rookie season with a new record of 105 catches and 1,486 yards.
Puka with his mother after breaking both records. 😭
📺 @NFLonFOX | @ASAPpuka pic.twitter.com/Z31j8FSTxd
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2024
Nacua, a fifth-round draft pick by Brigham Young, has surpassed 100 receiving yards in seven games this season, tying the rookie record set by Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014 and Justin Jefferson in 2020 (both drafted -first round picks). . As receiver Cooper Kupp recovered from a hamstring injury early in the 2023 season, Nacua burst onto the NFL scene. His 59 catches in his first eight games set an NFL record for all players. Heading into Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua ranked 4th in receiving yards (1,445) and 8th in catches (101).
The Rams sat out several starters on Sunday as they are assured of a playoff spot next week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kupp, running back Kyren Williams, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and inside linebacker Ernest Jones were all out. Tight end Tyler Higbee (shoulder) and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (foot) also did not play due to injuries. The 49ers also decided to rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy heading into the playoffs.
The Rams defeated the 49ers 21-20.
Carson Wentz, who the Rams signed during their Week 10 bye, started for them on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Wentz said, “We're going to do our best” to secure the record for Nacua, adding, “He's a stud.” Puka was a stud. Seeing it from a distance, but then coming here and seeing it up close… I don't know if he really knows how good he is. He’s just a kid, but I think the sky’s the limit for him and it’s cool that he’s getting the recognition that he is and hopefully he can achieve that record.”
GO DEEPER
Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua's big numbers, from the work behind the scenes
However, due to the way the game went, it took a little longer than players and coaches expected. Nacua had a 19-yard touchdown catch in the first half, leaving him just one yard shy of surpassing Groman's record at that point. Typically, the Rams' offense would shut down in the second quarter with just 11 seconds left in the first half, but Wentz tried to push the ball down the field, likely because the Rams wanted to be cautious with Nacua's playing time in the second half.
“'Don't do anything stupid,'” Wentz said with a laugh when asked what was going through his mind at the time.
Rams coach Sean McVay also said Wednesday that the team would handle Nacua “smartly” even though they wanted to give him a chance to “do something special.”
Nacua's consecutive catches in the third quarter ultimately broke both records.
GO DEEPER
Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua's big numbers, from the work behind the scenes
There is another interesting layer to the Nacua milestone. Several senior members of the Rams' scouting department, as well as general manager Les Snead, once worked with Groman after his playing days in Atlanta.
Snead and senior personnel managers Brian Xanders and Taylor Morton learned from Groman in the Falcons' scouting department, and Morton was eventually promoted to Southwest Area Scout after Groman's retirement in 2003. Groman was deeply admired by the three younger scouts.
Twenty years later, Snead, Morton and Xanders were among those on the Rams who scouted and drafted the player who broke Groman's record.
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(Photo: Darren Yamashita / USA Today)