'Freaking Stud!' Rams WR Puka Nacua Adds Another Record to Historic Rookie Season

After breaking multiple rookie records, Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua made history once again in Sunday's playoff loss.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua's storied rookie campaign came to a close in Sunday night's 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Nacua starred, catching nine passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, all game-highs. He caught all but one of his targets and eclipsed the 100-yard mark in the first half.

The 22-year-old Nacua, who set single-season NFL rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards, wasn't done adding to his resume.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs from Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field / Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

With his 181-yard performance, Nacua broke an NFL record for receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game, continuing his strong campaign.

Ultimately, Los Angeles fell short - but Nacua, playing on the biggest stage of his young career, reinforced the prior beliefs of Rams head coach Sean McVay.

"He's a freaking stud," McVay said. "He's a great competitor. He shows up big, makes plays, he's tough to tackle. He can work edges and win and separate. He can finish. This guy's a freaking warrior. He is a stud. I love the mindset and mentality that he has."

Nacua, a fifth-round pick in April's draft, emerged as one of the NFL's best stories this season, ranking top-10 league-wide in receptions, receiving yards and yards per game.

The 22-year-old Nacua had eight games with at least 100 receiving yards, including three of his final four, putting an exclamation point on his dominant campaign.

Nacua earned a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors, adding to his already illustrious rookie season with league-wide awards.

Rookie Star Puka Nacua Shines in Rams Wild Card Loss to Lions

Named a finalist for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Nacua's fairytale season may have a storybook ending - but still, this is just the beginning.

"If he just continues to stay humble and keep working, this guy's gonna be a problem for a long time," McVay said.