Puka Nacua went from being an overlooked fifth-round pick to putting together one of the best seasons ever by a rookie receiver. While he was always likely to make the team in 2023, nothing is certain for a player drafted in the fifth round, so he had to earn his spot every day in practice.
The Rams quickly gained confidence in their stud rookie and he rewarded them with a 105-catch, 1,486-yard season, both of which set records for a first-year player. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to win him Offensive Rookie of the Year, but it was a historic season, nonetheless.
In an exclusive interview from Radio Row in Las Vegas on behalf of Sleep Number, Nacua spoke about his realistic expectations last season, where he can improve in 2024, his Super Bowl pick and what it’s like learning an offense where the play calls are as long as “seven pages of the Harry Potter book.”
Did you ever see yourself having the historic rookie season that you did?
Nacua: “Definitely wasn’t expecting to be able to set NFL records and just to be able to have the season we had as a team. I envisioned myself succeeding and being able to have a great year and being able to make the team, being a late-round draft pick, but everything that happened was such a blessing and gave me so much more confidence going throughout the season as each week went on. But I couldn’t have imagined it being like this.”
What was the Pro Bowl like? Did you get any tips from other stars or mostly just have fun with it?
Nacua: “Just choppin’ it up. It was funny because Jalen Ramsey, he was guarding me and I heard he loves playing basketball so I was like, ‘Man, we gotta get you back out to L.A. to play some ball.’ To be able to interact with a lot of these guys who I’ve been a fan of after watching from afar for a long time, and to be right there next to them. Like, the receiver room, I love every single guy on the Rams, but it’s so crazy. I sent a picture to my friends saying my locker is right in between CeeDee Lamb and DK Metcalf at the Pro Bowl. That still doesn’t feel real, but I’m absolutely blessed. I had a blast out there. It was so fun.”
Did you notice the 49ers doing everything possible to prevent you from getting the ball in Week 18?
Nacua: “100%. Especially the last series before halftime. I saw that. They were locked in. They wanted to make sure I wasn’t breaking that record on them. It’s so funny because I knew that was going to be Fred (Warner’s) mentality. When he was playing those first couple of series, when we hit, he tackled me on one of them, I knew they were just trying to wrap up. I was like, ‘If Fred’s like this, they’re ready for this.'”
Some people said you faked the signature on the Deebo jersey at the Pro Bowl. Did you actually sign it?
Nacua: “I did actually sign it. I don’t know where that came from. Some of those Sharpies aren’t the best after signing.”
How badly do you want the 49ers to lose on Sunday?
Nacua: "Extremely. Every single person that's asked me, I've said the Chiefs are doing it."
What was the toughest part about the transition from college to the NFL?
Nacua: "Training camp was for sure the most difficult part. Just being able to reset every day and still go out there. I felt like I was doing well, I had confidence of myself, but just knowing I was a later draft pick and how things would work out on the roster side. Every day matters. I had to go out there and continue to prove that I belonged every single day and every single rep. That was definitely a difficult time but all those reps and that patience definitely paid off. Everything that happened in the season was a step that I felt I prepared for but was just in addition to where I started in training camp."
How difficult was learning the playbook and the play calls compared to college?
Nacua: "Oh, it's not even close. Learning hand signals was way easier than learning plays. Hearing Matthew freaking read seven pages of the Harry Potter book, that's McVay's offense. But it was super fun. I had a blast. Matthew definitely does a good job of taking a lot off our shoulders to make sure our offense is operating well."
What's one area that you want to improve heading into your second season?
Nacua: "Definitely my cardio and just conditioning, being able to play all snaps of the game. And catching. I was unaware, I led the NFL in drops. So that's definitely something I can't let happen again."
You set all kinds of records but didn't win Rookie of the Year. Do you feel like QBs have the edge like they do with MVP?
Nacua: "I don't necessarily feel it's a quarterback award. I know C.J. and I love watching him ball. Especially even at the Pro Bowl, some of the throws he makes are absolutely ridiculous. I think the free style and the confidence he plays with is something I love watching, just the play style that he has. I'm excited either way. To be in that conversation as a wide receiver, the year I had, it was a blessing no matter what. I had a lot of fun and I’m not really too worried about it."
Battling through all the injuries that you did, are you going to change the way you play at all or have the coaches tried to change it?
Nacua: "I’m gonna be the same Puka Nacua out there on Sundays that everybody saw. I plan on getting better and having the right improvements, but that physicality part of the game will never leave."
Any plans for the offseason? Going anywhere to train or staying in LA?
Nacua: "I’m trying to catch as many Lakers games as I can so I’m going to be out in L.A."
Is there a piece of advice that Cooper Kupp gave you that stuck with you throughout your rookie season?
Nacua: "One of the things that he talked about -- it definitely involves football -- but just talking about his routine, to find that routine. Things that work for you in the weight room, in the film room, nutritional-wise, mentally. Obviously in the game of football, as well, but just finding that routine so that was something that was big for me. Made sure I got down that routine and got everything that I felt worked right for me in order for me to perform my best."
What's your favorite type of route to run?
Nacua: "I love a good go ball. I feel like there's so many different ways to win. There's so many different parts of it. Nothing better than going up and high-pointing a go ball or just to come down with it, toe drag on the sideline. That's my favorite."
Prefer the slot or lining up outside?
Nacua: "I do like the slot. I didn't know, I guess in Madden, they got me playing the slot."
Who was the toughest cornerback you went up against this past season?
Nacua: "I thought Stephon Gilmore was really good. Just a veteran guy, somebody who almost knew what I was going to do before I got there, was practicing my moves before I was doing them. He was really good. Darius Slay. Stephon Gilmore and Darius Slay, for sure."
What do you guys have to do to get over the hump next season?
Nacua: "I think executing in the second half of the game. I think that's something where we're confident, we know we can score points, but I think coming down to those critical possessions in the second half of the game, we're capable of executing and it just requires that mental focus from all 11 guys that are out there to be in sync."
Do you feel like you're going to be a leader in the locker room?
Nacua: "I don't know, I think Cooper's our leader. He's a big dog for us and I love being able to learn from him and allow him to lead the way he has been because I've been a huge beneficiary of that so I hope it doesn't change."
How did having a Sleep Number bed help you during your rookie year?
Nacua: "80% of the guys in the league have a Sleep Number bed so that's something I didn't know. I love my Sleep Number bed. It's been a huge benefit to me. During the season, I was locked down on a 9:30 latest bedtime so I know that's definitely been a huge part of me being able to succeed and take that next step in my recovery and how I take care of my body. I'm a hot sleeper so the cooling part of my bed that keeps me asleep all eight hours is the best thing in the world."
