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Rams Star Puka Nacua Is Changing His Jersey Number

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 3:48 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the best receivers in the NFL over the last two years.

He came in out of nowhere during his rookie season in 2023, finishing with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. He then followed up that breakout campaign with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.

He easily would've had over 1,000 yards if he had not missed six games. He's put up these numbers after being a day-three pick (fifth round) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Nacua has been wearing the number 17 since being drafted by the Rams but will be switching back to 12 for next season and beyond. He wore the number 12 during his college days at BYU.

Some numbers choose you.

1️⃣2️⃣ @AsapPuka pic.twitter.com/sguuBgOkNj
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 11, 2025

Nacua will go back to 12, so Davante Adams can likely wear 17 since he's been wearing that jersey number throughout his NFL career. Adams signed a two-year deal with the Rams on Sunday after being cut by the New York Jets.

NFL fans offered their takes on the jersey switch via social media.

"Puka will be wearing #12, and probably made a ton of money from Davante Adams by switching," one fan tweeted.

"Good for him, but I'll continue to rock his 17 jersey. Still has his name on it. The number doesn't matter," another tweet read.

"I know he would’ve chosen 12 after he got drafted, but Van Jefferson had it at the time, and then he got traded like two games into the season," another tweet read.

"I hope Davante doubled Puka's $1.09m salary," another tweet read.

"He's made it known for a while he's wanted to switch to Number 12 in interviews/podcasts. This isn't a surprise, and it doesn't bother me at all. Let's win a damn Superbowl!" another fan tweeted.

The Rams will be one of the top NFC contenders to win next season's Super Bowl. They have quarterback Matthew Stafford back and will have one of the top offenses in the league if everyone stays healthy.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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