“I actually thought it would start and end here in LA. I don’t agree with the decision. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time in the NFL, it’s that some things are out of my control. It’s more about how you deal with them.”
It was almost a year ago, February 4, 2025, when Cooper Kupp published those words on social networks – combined with a video of his best moments from his time with the Los Angeles Rams.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, the franchise selected the wide receiver in the third round at position 69. But a career with just one NFL team didn’t work out, even though everything looked so promising.
Cooper Kupp: Triple Crown and Super Bowl winner
Kupp was considered one of the strongest pass receivers in the best football league in the world – with maximum success. In February 2022 he won the NFL final with the Rams. The LA franchise beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23:20, and Kupp was voted Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl.
But that wasn’t enough: that season he also secured the so-called Triple Crown. A not-so-common award for a receiver who manages to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in a single season.
Super Bowl victory, MVP and Triple Crown – that’s all that’s possible in an NFL receiver’s career.
Rams didn’t want Kupp anymore
Three years later, there was hardly any trace of the glory days left. Behind Puka Nacua, Kupp fell back to the position of second receiver in the preseason, and his high-paying contract was added. Because a trade to another team failed, he was ultimately released.
But the NFL chapter was far from over for the now 32-year-old: Kupp joined the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025 and signed a three-year contract worth $45 million.
With 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns in the past regular season, he was nowhere near the numbers of previous years, but he also took on a different role with his new employer: behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kupp is only the number two receiver, but he is the number one mentor and leader.
Kupp as leader in Seattle
“He is a real leader for us because he gives his best every day not only in the games, but also in training and on the field,” praised Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. “I feel like I always say that when I talk about him, but it’s true. He’s a great leader and someone who just does his job every day.”
Darnold was not at all surprised that leader Kupp finally showed a significant performance in the most important game of the entire season. In the NFC conference championship game, the Seahawks beat the Rams 31-27 and secured their spot in the Super Bowl.
touchdown against his former team
Kupp caught the decisive, final touchdown for the Seahawks – and against the team that no longer wanted him the year before.
“It’s unbelievable,” he cheered in a TV interview after the game: “This story. It couldn’t have been better written. I’ve often thought about why things happen in my life and why they turned out the way they did.”
He continued: “We felt like we had to ask why. We found peace by asking what God intended for us. The fact that it happened this way, the peace that we have here with these guys and these coaches, is just an incredible experience.”
First released by the Rams, a year later he played a decisive role in the Rams not making it to the Super Bowl – a story that also inspires his head coach Mike Macdonald.
“What do you say? Coop against his former team in the fight for the championship in the NFC – and he scores a touchdown,” the head coach told reporters afterwards. “There were a few rumors before the game, like, ‘How cool would it be if Coop scored a touchdown today?’ And that’s what he did. We love him. He’s the best.”
Kupp grew up a Seahawks fan
What makes the story even more special: Kupp once grew up a Seahawks fan just two hours from Seattle. After two touchdowns in away games, his walk into the end zone against his former team was his first touchdown as a Seahawks player at Lumen Field.
But it wasn’t just his touchdown that decisively brought the Seahawks forward. On a third attempt with nine yards to go, Kupp escaped the opposing tackle after an unfortunate catch, gained twelve yards for a new first down and kept the drive alive. Later, the pass receiver cleverly blocked for his teammates, among other things.
Smith-Njigba raves about his teammate
“I’m really happy for him,” said fellow receiver Smith-Njigba: “Without Cooper and what he does on and off the field, we wouldn’t be the team we are. He’s a real leader, a real fighter, and it’s an honor to play alongside him. He’s improved my game. I can’t thank him enough.”
The 23-year-old said about Kupp: “I knew he would deliver in the crucial situation. That’s simply because of his preparation. He’s ready for this moment. Play after play, he’s fully focused, both in the running game and in the passing game. Having a player like Coop that we can rely on simply takes this team to a new level.”
By the way: The Rams were deeply disappointed after the end of the game, but they were still happy for Kupp. TV cameras filmed Rams receiver Puka Nacua and quarterback Matthew Stafford, among others, hugging their former teammate.
This seems to have come full circle for the 32-year-old.
