Former BYU Cougars Puka Nacua and Fred Warner Exchange Jerseys
Puka Nacua, Fred Warner…
SAN FRANCISCO – Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season began Thursday night with the Los Angeles Rams traveling north to face the San Francisco 49ers.
On a rainy night by the bay, offensive numbers took a hit. Brock Purdy and Matthew Stafford combined for just 30 completions, both hovering near 50%.
In this sloppy Thursday Night Football contest, the Rams emerged victorious, 12-6, with all 18 points coming from field goals.
Beyond the tight NFC West playoff race, BYU fans had plenty of reason to tune in Thursday night.
The Rams struggled to reach the end zone but managed over 300 total yards of offense. Puka Nacua had another highlight moment, making an incredible catch by pinning the ball against a 49ers defender’s helmet.
Fred Warner also delivered a standout performance. The linebacker led the 49ers with 15 total tackles, including eight solo tackles, nearly doubling the output of any teammate.
Postgame, the two former Cougars met midfield to exchange jerseys, representing two of BYU’s top NFL talents.
About Puka Nacua
Before college, Provo native Puka Nacua played high school football at Orem High, where he set multiple state records.
He began his college career at the University of Washington before transferring to BYU after the 2020 season, quickly becoming a star for the Cougars.
Nacua’s BYU career totals included 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 357 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the 177th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
As a rookie, Nacua set an NFL record with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards, scoring six touchdowns.
He earned second-team All-Pro honors and was runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
About Fred Warner
San Marcos, California native Fred Warner played for BYU from 2014-17.
Over four seasons in Provo, Warner logged 264 total tackles, 158 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and two touchdowns.
The 49ers selected Warner in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 70th overall pick.
In 2022, he tallied 130 total tackles, 79 solo tackles, two sacks, and 10 pass breakups across 17 games.
Last season, Warner posted 132 tackles, 82 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups.
In his seven NFL seasons, Warner has accumulated 766 total tackles, 493 solo tackles, nine sacks, 11 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, eight interceptions, 46 pass breakups, and one touchdown.
In the postseason, Warner has added 97 tackles, 64 solo tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and five pass breakups in 12 playoff games.