On Thursday night at the NFL Honors show, we’ll learn whether Puka Nacua’s historic season with the Los Angeles Rams was enough to win him Offensive Rookie of the Year. It was statistically the best rookie season by a wide receiver in NFL history, but C.J. Stroud is still the favorite to win the award as the top offensive rookie.
Either way, Nacua’s season will hold a place in the record books after he had the most receptions and receiving yards ever by a rookie, and he’s just thankful to even be in the conversation.
In an interview with Rams Wire on behalf of Sleep Number, Nacua said he doesn’t feel Rookie of the Year favors quarterbacks.
“I don’t necessarily feel it’s a quarterback award,” Nacua said. “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.”
Nacua may have just finished his first season in the NFL, but he’s as humble as a seasoned veteran. Despite being the most accomplished rookie receiver in league history, Nacua knows there are areas of improvement and ways he can get better in his second season.
“Definitely my cardio and just conditioning, being able to play all snaps of the game,” he said. “And catching. I was unaware I led the NFL in drops, so that’s definitely something I can’t let happen again.”
The NFL will announce the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award on Thursday night at the NFL Honors, which airs at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.