Puka Nacua Changes Jersey Number To Match BYU Playing Days
Mar 11, 2025, 1:51 PM | Updated: 1:57 pm
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With NFL all-pro wideout Davante Adams signing as a free agent, LA Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is working to help his new teammate feel right at home. Nacua will give up No. 17, the number he has worn since joining the Rams as a 2023 fifth-round pick, instead opting to don No. 12.
Nacua wore #12 while playing two seasons for the BYU Cougars. Adams has worn #17 since being drafted in 2014. He has worn the number at all three of his previous NFL homes.
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Nacua explained his reasoning for the number swap in a post on Instagram.
Carrying on the Nacua legacy! The #12 not only represents me on the football field, but all of my brothers and the sacrifices that my family have made before me to be able to wear this jersey at this moment. I know when I put on that #12, it’s a piece of armor that’s representing my family and always protecting me.
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About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played prep football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington, playing two seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
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Nacua finished his BYU career with 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns, as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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