Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn route running from veteran receiver Davante Adams as the new NFL season approaches. With Adams joining the Rams, Nacua described the experience as being like a “kid in a candy store,” emphasizing his enthusiasm to develop alongside one of the league’s best. This chance to train with Adams is a key part of Nacua’s growth, highlighting his determination to refine his craft.
Puka Nacua Praises Adams’ Mastery of Route Running
Nacua highlighted specific skills he hopes to emulate from Adams, particularly his ability to alter pace, defeat defensive leverage, and create separation at the line of scrimmage. He called Adams’ suddenness “fantastic to see” and sees practicing next to him as a motivator to perform at full speed. Nacua is also looking forward to working alongside quarterback Matthew Stafford and appreciating his accurate throws as a crucial part of the offense.
“Davante, as soon as he stepped into the facility, has been fantastic. The ability to learn from another all-time great has been — I feel like I’m stealing — I’m like a kid in the candy store. I’ve had Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and now Davante Adams. My life is pretty good, I can’t complain too much. It’s gonna be fun. We signed Tutu Atwell back. We’ve got some speed, we’ve got a bunch of young guys who are excited to play. (No.) 17 is gonna lead the way for us, and it’s gonna be fantastic to be out there on the football field with him.” —Puka Nacua, Rams WR
“Route running, His ability to change pace while he’s moving on the football field, the ability to win against negative leverage, his suddenness at the line of scrimmage, it’s fantastic to see. And to be able to see it in person and be lining up right next to him, it makes sure you have all the gas turned on when you’re going out there with No. 17. I can’t wait to see the guys. I just want to see Matthew Stafford spin it. That’s my favorite part of the day. As soon as that first practice comes out and you see that ball spinning right, I’m like, ah, things will be well in the world.” —Puka Nacua, Rams WR
49ers Secure Core Players with Timely Contract Extensions
The San Francisco 49ers successfully finalized offseason extensions with key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner. General Manager John Lynch emphasized the team’s focus on resolving contract negotiations early to avoid complications during the season. He credited lessons learned from previous years with motivating the organization to reach agreements without delay.
“I think we made an attempt, like we had done in past years, to take care of business early,”
Lynch said.
“Do you learn from the previous year? The previous year, we had some stuff go into the season. That wasn’t our motivation, but it did. And so, do you learn? Sure.”
—John Lynch, 49ers GM
Lynch also noted that the willingness of Purdy, Kittle, and Warner to collaborate on contract details allowed all parties to meet their priorities. He described those players as indispensable to the 49ers’ culture and future plans.
“And … all three of them, willing to work with us on certain things that were important to us. And I think we worked with things that were important to them. Those are three guys that we really want to be a part of our culture and our team and our organization moving forward; three really important players to us.”
—John Lynch, 49ers GM
Regarding the quarterback position, Lynch underscored the organization’s confidence in Brock Purdy as the long-term starter, while confirming Kittle and Warner as key core members essential to the franchise’s identity and success.
“Obviously, the quarterback position is paramount,”
Lynch said.
“Brock fits us really well. We thought quickly — it didn’t take too long — ‘Hey, is this a guy we want to roll with into the future?’ And the answer quickly was, ‘Yes!’ We’d seen it right in front of our very eyes, and we made that decision. Then, obviously, with George and Fred, they’ve both been with us for a long, long time. And so synonymous with the success we’ve had, who we are as an organization, who we want to be. They’re just part of our core, and we wanted them to remain that.”
—John Lynch, 49ers GM
Seahawks Acquire Sam Darnold, Eye Quarterback Development
The Seattle Seahawks added quarterback Sam Darnold as an unrestricted free agent following their trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an anonymous personnel director believes Darnold has a promising opportunity in Seattle. Additionally, third-round draft pick Jalen Milroe presents an intriguing developmental option as the team looks toward the future.
“Darnold and Geno to me are very similar, solidified starters but not in the top end,”
the director said.
“Geno has more of a track record as a passer, but Darnold threw 35 touchdowns last year, so if he can play close to how he did last year, that’s a great situation and opportunity for him. And Milroe has a different skill set. If he develops and figures out how to be a quarterback, he will become a really interesting player for them.”
—Anonymous Personnel Director
Growing Excitement Among Young Talent in Rams’ Offense
The addition of Adams and the return of speedster Tutu Atwell, combined with young, motivated players like Nacua, form an energized unit eager to make a strong impact. Nacua’s positive outlook and appreciation for his quarterback and coaching staff reflect a vibrant atmosphere within the Rams’ organization as they prepare for a competitive season.
With veteran leadership guiding emerging stars, the Rams expect a dynamic receiving corps, which could translate into a more explosive offense. The collaboration between Adams and Nacua is a focal point that fans and analysts will watch closely, anticipating how this mentorship will elevate the team‘s performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Puka Nacua’s nationality?
A. Nacua has Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese roots. As a baby, he was given the nickname “Puka,” which means fat and chubby in Samoan. He grew up in Provo, Utah, and went to Orem High School nearby.
Q. Why did Puka Nacua get rejected?
A. Feeling frustrated, Nacua punched Dodson’s helmet, which led to his instant removal from the game because NFL rules prohibit punching during matches.
Q. What nationality is Puka Nacua?
A. Nacua has Samoan, Hawaiian, and Portuguese roots. As a baby, he was nicknamed “Puka” in Samoan, which means fat and chubby, because of his size.
Q. What was Puka Nacua GPA?
A. Nacua has consistently achieved a GPA of 3.34 in his academic studies.