Rams WR Puka Nacua Breaks 63-Year-Old NFL Rookie Receiving Record

Week 18 was one for the history books, as Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua broke the 63-year-old record for most receiving yards by a rookie in a season in NFL history on Sunday.

Nacua first matched the record of 1,473 receiving yards with a 19-yard touchdown catch against the 49ers that lifted him to 28 yards on the day.

He broke the record on a 7-yard pass in the third quarter.

Nacua then passed Jaylen Waddle for the all-time rookie record for receptions with a 6-yard catch on the following play.

The receiving yard record was previously set by Bill Gorman of the Houston Oilers in 1960. Of course, Gorman tallied 1,473 receiving yards as a rookie in just 14 games, an average of just over 105 receiving yards per game. Nacua appeared in all 17 games for the Rams this season, averaging 90.3 yards per game coming into L.A's Week 18 game against San Francisco.

Nacua also has six receiving touchdowns for the Rams this season, including his score on Sunday against the 49ers. He was the leading receiver for the Rams during the 2023 season.

The Rams rookie was a fifth round selection out of Washington and BYU, having transferred to the latter ahead of the 2021 season, with the Rams picking Nacua with the 177th overall pick.