When Cooper Kupp departed the Los Angeles Rams, many assumed Puka Nacua had lost a crucial mentor. In reality, the young receiver gained a second one, embarking on a unique educational journey under two of the NFL's elite wideouts. According to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, Nacua has quietly rebuilt his entire approach to the game by absorbing lessons from Kupp and Davante Adams, each with distinct styles and philosophies.
Cooper Kupp Set the Foundation for Puka Nacua's NFL Growth
Nacua's transformation began even before he stepped onto the practice field with Kupp. During organized team activities in 2023, Kupp participated in meetings virtually while awaiting the birth of his third son. This early exposure left a lasting impression on the rookie.
"I heard the voice of Cooper Kupp before I ever saw the person of Cooper Kupp," Nacua recalled. "I was like, I feel like this is our other coach. I just don't know what he looks like."
That initial connection quickly evolved into full immersion. Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber instructed Nacua to "hold on to Cooper's coattail" and emulate everything Kupp did. Nacua followed this advice meticulously, resulting in a spectacular rookie season where he set NFL records with 105 catches for 1,486 yards.
The Offseason Transformation
The real breakthrough occurred during their first offseason together. Kupp invited Nacua to train at his house five days a week, with morning sessions starting at 6 a.m. The intensity was so extreme that Nacua admitted to throwing up repeatedly during the initial week.
"I remember the first week I came back, I think I threw up every day of the week," Nacua said. "And he wasn't a fan of that. It was on his lawn and stuff."
Kupp immediately recognized Nacua's commitment. "We were focused on just pushing each other, trying to get better. He's willing to work," Kupp noted in 2024. "He knows that one of the hardest things is to have success early and then be able to continue to push."
This offseason also prompted significant lifestyle changes. Nacua completely overhauled his nutrition, eliminating fried and inflammatory foods while cutting out regular fast-food consumption. The focus shifted from building bulk to achieving precise body control.
Yarber observed visible results from these changes. "He lost a lot of body fat which enabled him to move efficiently," Yarber explained. "Now when he puts his foot in the ground, it's going in a different direction."
Davante Adams Sharpened Puka Nacua's Routes, Discipline, and Mental Edge
When the Rams released Kupp after nine seasons and signed Davante Adams, Nacua didn't reset his approach. Instead, he adapted, recognizing an opportunity to learn from another master of the craft.
Adams arrived with a different reputation and skill set, and Nacua wasted no time seeking his guidance. He asked Adams to lead receiver drills so he could study every repetition closely.
"The common theme with him since I've been here is just being an open vessel," Adams said about Nacua. "Always being open and willing to learn."
Mastering Route Deception
This openness transformed how Nacua ran routes. Yarber noted that Adams helped him understand that deception, not pure speed, separates elite receivers from the rest.
"One thing that I've seen him learn from Davante is making all his routes look the same," Yarber observed. "Each stem looks the same, so they don't know if you're going vertical or you're breaking out or you're breaking in."
Adams reinforced this principle constantly during practice. "Hey, you got to make them believe it," Adams would tell him. "You just can't go through the motions."
Nacua began feeling the impact of these lessons during actual games. After executing a perfect late separation against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14, he remarked, "I felt like Davante Adams out there."
Film Study and Mental Toughness
The learning extended beyond the practice field into film sessions, where Nacua regularly asked Adams to critique his routes. He then implemented the feedback immediately, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.
"He's not afraid to fail," Yarber noted about Nacua's approach.
This mindset proved crucial when Nacua faced scrutiny during a challenging period. Despite posting career highs with 129 catches, 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns, he encountered controversy after a Week 16 loss in Seattle. Following an incident where he made a gesture later linked to antisemitic themes during a livestream, Nacua apologized, stating he had "no idea" of the gesture's meaning. He was subsequently fined $25,000 for criticizing officials.
While head coach Sean McVay maintained that Nacua remained focused, the situation required guidance. Adams provided quiet support during this time.
"He was checking in on me," Nacua revealed. "I know he was a listening ear and it was greatly appreciated."
McVay recognized the value of this mentorship. "He's really leaned into Davante," McVay said. "I think Davante's helped him continue to take his game to another level."
The Championship Connection
Now, Nacua's journey comes full circle as he prepares to face Cooper Kupp's Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. The matchup symbolizes the complete evolution of his career under two distinct mentors.
"I think there's no way the football gods would rather have it be than for us to go back up there and see the all-father," Nacua said about facing Kupp.
Kupp taught Nacua the fundamentals of NFL survival through relentless work ethic and physical preparation. Adams refined his technical skills, route-running precision, and mental approach to the game. The Rams organization believes this powerful combination could propel them back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2021 season.
Nacua's story demonstrates how strategic mentorship from established veterans can accelerate a young player's development, creating a receiver who doesn't just produce impressive statistics but understands the intricate mechanics behind every successful play.
