Cooper Kupp

BIOGRAPHY

the Rams in all three categories. Despite his impressive numbers, Kupp was not named to the Pro Bowl, a decision that was met with criticism from fans and sports analysts.[73]

In 2020, the Rams made moves to ensure their star player’s future with the team. On September 12, Kupp signed a new contract, a three-year extension worth $48 million.[74] Now secure in his role, he continued to shine on the field, rounding off the season with 92 receptions for 974 yards and three touchdowns.[75]

The 2021 NFL season, however, was a pivotal one for Kupp. He had a breakout season, becoming only the fourth player since the AFL-NFL Merger to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. For his incredible play, Kupp was awarded the Offensive Player of the Year, and he went on to become the MVP of Super Bowl LVI. He joined the likes of Jerry Rice, becoming only the second wide receiver to achieve these feats in a career. Moreover, he set an NFL record for the most receiving yards in a combined season and postseason, with a remarkable 2,425 yards.

Born Cooper Douglas Kupp on June 15, 1993, in Yakima, Washington, Kupp came from a sporting family. His grandfather, Jake Kupp, was an NFL offensive lineman, and his father, Craig Kupp, was an NFL quarterback. The Kupps hold the unique distinction of being one of the only five families in NFL history to have three generations of players selected in the NFL draft.

Kupp’s early football journey began in Davis High School, Yakima. Not only was he an acclaimed wide receiver, earning White Chip selection as one of the state of Washington’s top 100 prospects, but he also excelled in basketball, where he led his school to a State 4A Tournament championship. Despite ending his high school career with impressive numbers, no college football scholarship offers were forthcoming. It was three weeks after his final high school game that he received his first offer, an opportunity to play for Eastern Washington University. He seized this chance, eventually becoming the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year in his first year.

It was at Eastern Washington that Kupp began to make a name for himself, setting multiple records and earning prestigious awards. He set national freshman records for receiving yards, total touchdown catches, consecutive games with a touchdown catch, and receptions. Kupp was named to the All-Big Sky Conference first-team in his freshman year and won the conference’s Freshman of the Year Award. Furthermore, he earned the Jerry Rice Award as the country’s best freshman player. His skill as a wide receiver was recognized as he became the first freshman to be named a first-team All-American since Randy Moss in 1996.

Throughout his college career, Kupp continued to shatter records and rake in accolades, both as a wide receiver and a punt returner. His sophomore and junior years were marked by continued success, including winning the Walter Payton Award in his junior year. In his senior year, Kupp broke nearly every major FCS career receiving record. By the end of his time at Eastern Washington, he had made history with 428 receptions, 6,464 yards, and 73 receiving touchdowns – all FCS records.

It was with this stellar record and critical acclaim that Kupp entered the 2017 NFL draft. Despite being projected as a second or third-round pick, he was chosen in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams, commencing his professional career. He made an immediate impact, earning a name for himself as a reliable wide receiver and setting numerous franchise records. In his first three seasons with the Rams, he became the go-to receiver for Jared Goff and established himself as a resilient, dependable, and noteworthy talent in the NFL.

Throughout his NFL journey, Kupp has achieved significant milestones. Despite major setbacks, including a torn ACL in 2018, Kupp’s resolve remained unbroken. He returned stronger from the injury, breaking several records and demonstrating exceptional play in the subsequent seasons. His most memorable season came in 2021, when he led the major statistical categories in the league, won the Offensive Player of the Year, earned the Super Bowl LVI MVP, and became the fourth player since the merger to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Born into a footballing family, coming from a modest college background without much national attention, Cooper Kupp’s journey to become an NFL superstar is a story of sheer talent, determination, resilience, and above all, perseverance. As he continues his career, the legacy he is creating in the sport will unquestionably be etched in the annals of NFL history.