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Changing jersey numbers sounds simple until the business side of the NFL gets involved. For Puka Nacua, a switch he had wanted for quite some time turned into a year-long wait because of a price tag that simply was not worth paying.
Now, the Los Angeles Rams star has shared the full story, explaining how an unexpected financial hurdle delayed his move to No. 12 before a high-profile offseason addition added another twist.
Puka Nacua Explains Why Los Angeles Rams Jersey Switch Took An Extra Year
As was revealed during an interview conducted on July 21 by Nacua, he had long before the offseason of 2026 planned to switch his number 17 for the number 12. However, this plan encountered an obstacle very quickly since Nacua realized how expensive it was to do so.
According to the NFL rules, athletes are obliged to buy out all the jerseys left from the old number once it has been merchandised.
“I was already planning to switch to 12. You got to file the paperwork and buy out your jerseys. I was still a fifth-round pick. They were like, ‘It’ll be $500K to switch your jersey.’
I don’t got that type of money, bro. For a jersey number, no. So, you fill out the paperwork. Had to wait a whole year. This year, I was getting ready. Once the official season switched over in March, I was going to be No. 12.
Then we signed Davante Adams, and everybody was like, ‘What are you about to do?’ Man, if I would’ve waited three more weeks I would’ve got something.”
Instead of paying half a million dollars, Nacua chose to wait until the next league year, when the financial obligation was no longer an issue. The delay ended up creating perfect timing for Adams, who joined the Rams this offseason and reclaimed the No. 17 jersey he had worn throughout his NFL career.
In the end, everything fell into place. The 25-year-old landed the No. 12 jersey which he had wanted from the start, Adams kept the familiar No. 17, and the Rams head into 2026. with one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving duos alongside veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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The post Puka Nacua Explains Why a Half-Million-Dollar Fee Delayed His Move to No. 12 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
