Texans QB C.J. Stroud Wins Rookie of the Year Over Rams Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams star rookie receiver Puka Nacua fell short in the race for the AP NFL Rookie of the Year Award on Thursday.

Matt Galatzan | Feb 8, 2024

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua entered Thursday night's NFL Honors Awards Show hoping to defy the odds and bring home the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Unfortunately for Nacua, it was always going to be an uphill battle, with Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud coming into the night as the run-away favorite.

And now, it has become official, with Stroud bringing home the award over Nacua and three other contenders.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) scores on a 70-yard touchdown reception against Cleveland Browns cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The other finalists were Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

But just how good has Nacua been? Historically good.

Nacua finished his regular season with incredible production and the accolades to match. He racked up 105 receptions for 1,486 receiving yards, both rookie records, to go along with six scores. He was a lock for the Pro Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors.

“He’s outstanding," McVay said after in December. "You see around the league, you know, (C.J.) Stroud has had a great year, but this guy is – he would get my vote. And he’s really special. But the best part about him is he doesn’t worry about those things. He worries about just being a great teammate, continuing to improve his game, and sure love this team. And he’s one of those guys that you really love.”

In retrospect, Nacua, a fifth-round pick (177th overall), was the most surprising name of the offensive finalists. Earning snaps despite his draft capital, making an immediate impact, and ultimately outshining superstar receiver Cooper Kupp make Nacua’s campaign one of the most impressive in recent memory.

And though he didn't take home the hardware, he has cemented himself as a part of Los Angeles’ future and one of the most exciting stars in the sport.

Published Feb 8, 2024

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com