WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams players and coaches often talk about playing 11 as one. Although it takes every man out on the field, there were two who were recognized as players of the year amongst everyone in the league. Earlier today quarterback Matthew Stafford was announced as a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award. And star wide receiver who shares the field with Stafford, Puka Nacua was announced as a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year award.
This all comes the morning of this team’s Thursday practice ahead of their huge NFC Championship Game this Sunday. As they’re gearing up to take on the Seattle Seahawks, who they faced twice already in the regular season.
“It does feel a little wild, I’m obviously just going into year three, but it is an exciting award to be up for. And I think of all the people who’re a part of it obviously. I think when you receive an award like that you think of all the guys up front who make it possible.” Nacua continued, “they don’t get to score the touchdowns, they don’t get those stats, but they’re every part of every play.”
Nacua mentioned that this kind of recognition doesn’t add to any feelings of confidence going into this weekend’s game. That’s probably because he plays with a high level of confidence every week, which only makes sense considering how that confidence translates to incredible production on the football field.
Amongst the National Football League statistics, Nacua finished the 2025 regular season ranked second in the league in receiving yards with 1,715. This trend continued as Nacua is currently ranked number two in receiving yards in the postseason with 167 yards and counting. If that wasn’t enough, he also leads his team in the wide receiver room in yards in both the regular season and in post season stats. In both categories the next player behind Nacua is 33 year old wide receiver Davante Adams, who is currently in his 12th season in the NFL.
Nacua finished second in regular season receiving yards to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba who finished with 1,793 receiving yards. Smith-Njigba, who is a former 2023 first round draft pick, has made a dramatic leap this season. This rings true as he has tallied 10 touchdowns on the regular season compared to his six in his sophomore season, and four in his rookie year.
Rams Puka Nacua did give Smith-Njigba some recognition, as they are both on that list of those who were announced as finalists for the Offensive Player of the Year award.
“I mean man, it has been fun to watch him play this season. And obviously I know we were both in the same draft class, so I think like man, the boys of 23 were pretty good.” Nacua then recognizing his teammates adding, “but I’m excited and confident in our guys, because I know the challenge that they step up to every weekend, they’re never shying away from the opportunity to go out there and make big plays. So it’ll be fun to see how we do.”