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Rams' Puka Nacua Clears Air On Number Change Amid Davante Adams Speculations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams have just announced that he will be changing his number from 17 to 12, the number he wore at BYU.

This move was due to the signing of Davante Adams, who has worn the number 17 on his jersey since entering the NFL in 2014.

Since being drafted in 2023, Nacua has dominated the receiver position, including setting the record for most receiving yards as a rookie with 1,486. His standout rookie season set high expectations for 2024, but injury kept him out of six games, only allowing his total to get to 990 yards in his Sophomore season.

Shortly after the news broke that he was changing numbers, Nacua took to Instagram to explain his decision.

"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," Nacua said.

Nacua expressed these heartfelt sentiments in an emotional Instagram post, sharing the deep personal significance of his jersey number and the legacy it represents as he prepares to don number 12 once again.

Just like that, Nacua will be wearing the number that he wore at BYU, where he rose to stardom before heading to the NFL.

While the change is meaningful for Nacua, fans can’t help but wonder what, if anything, Adams might have offered to secure number 17.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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