SAN JOSE — Cooper Kupp witnessed firsthand the abilities that Puka Nacua brought to the field during their two seasons as teammates with the Los Angeles Rams. Although Kupp moved to the Seattle Seahawks last offseason after eight years with the Rams, he continues to follow Nacua’s career, recognizing him as one of the NFL’s most promising young receivers.
2025 Season Earns Nacua a Spot Among Top Offensive Player Finalists
After a remarkable third NFL season, Nacua has secured a spot as one of five finalists for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Notably, Kupp’s current Seahawks teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is also among the finalists. The award winner will be revealed Thursday during the NFL Honors ceremony airing on NBC and NFL Network.
Smith-Njigba is favored to take home the award, with Nacua a close second in the betting odds, underscoring the intense competition between the two standout receivers.
Nacua’s Historic Performance Highlights a Breakout Year
Puka Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions and set personal records with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2025 season. His physical style of play and knack for difficult catches have set him apart.
According to Pro Football Focus, Nacua topped the league with 27 contested catches, the highest figure in over two decades of PFF data tracking.
I don’t know what he’s doing with his gloves — he’s sticking the ball somehow, swiping down at the thing. I’m not sure what he’s been doing with all that. So he’s done some unbelievable things,
Kupp shared with the Deseret News ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, where the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots this Sunday.
Same Puka in terms of his physicality, his willingness across the middle and running after the catch. He did a great job just making really tough catches this year.
Comparison of Top Receivers: Smith-Njigba and Nacua’s Outstanding Seasons
While Nacua had an outstanding year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,793, marking the eighth-best single-season total in league history, alongside 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns. Nacua’s 2025 numbers rank 14th all-time for a single season.
Cooper Kupp Praises Both Rising Stars for Their Impactful Seasons
As a veteran who claimed the NFL receiving triple crown in 2021, leading in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, Kupp recognizes the significance of Nacua’s and Smith-Njigba’s achievements this season.
I’ve got close to both of them just as a friend and a teammate. They were great players before I had ever met them,
Kupp said.
They were great in their own right. It’s great to see those guys get recognized for putting together seasons that are very special.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Builds for NFL Honors and Super Bowl LX
With both receivers showcasing exceptional talent and consistency, the NFL Honors ceremony will highlight their contributions to the game. Nacua’s rise, recognized by peers like Kupp, signals a promising trajectory for his career, while Seattle’s upcoming Super Bowl matchup adds another stage for these athletes to make their mark.
