Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp: The Unlikely Rise to NFL Stardom

Imagine a journey from Yakima, Washington, to the pinnacle of professional football – that’s Cooper Kupp’s story. Born on June 15, 1993, in a small town, Kupp didn’t have a college scholarship offer. Yet, he went on to break records and win awards at Eastern Washington University before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. His path is nothing short of inspiring.

From High School to College

Kupp was a two-sport athlete, excelling in football and basketball. Despite not having an offer from any college, he received scholarships from Eastern Washington and Idaho State after his senior season. His decision to attend Eastern Washington University marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Eastern Washington’s Golden Boy

In 2013, Kupp set multiple school and national records in his freshman year. He was named Freshman of the Year, won the Jerry Rice Award, and was a consensus first-team All-American. His sophomore season saw him break the Big Sky single-season record for catches with 114, a total that ranks ninth most all-time in FCS single-season history.

The Walter Payton Award

On January 9, 2014, Kupp won the College Football Performance Awards FCS Wide Receiver Award for the second straight year. He finished his sophomore season with 104 catches for 1,431 yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2015, he broke the Big Sky single-season record again and won the Walter Payton Award, becoming only the second wide receiver to do so.

Professional Debut

The Los Angeles Rams selected Cooper Kupp in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract on June 9, 2017, and quickly made his mark as a full-time starter by December.

Breakout Season: 2021

Kupp had a breakout season in 2021. He led the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). His performance earned him the Offensive Player of the Year Award and MVP of Super Bowl LVI. Kupp holds multiple records, including the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Postseason Glory

In the 2021 postseason, Kupp continued his dominance. In the Wild Card Round, he had five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. In the Divisional Round, he recorded nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown. In the NFC Championship Game, he had 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. His performance in Super Bowl LVI was nothing short of spectacular as he scored his first career Super Bowl touchdown.

Contract Extensions and Future Plans

In June 2022, Kupp signed a three-year contract extension to remain with the Rams through 2026. However, on February 3, 2025, he was informed that he was not in their future plans for the team and would be traded or released.

Final Season with the Rams

Kupp finished his final season with the Rams in 2024. He opened the season with 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown but sustained an ankle injury in Week 2. Despite being held out for four weeks, Kupp returned in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings and caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Legacy

Kupp’s legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and excellence. His journey from Yakima to becoming an NFL star is a testament to hard work and determination. Cooper Kupp’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere – that with the right mindset and effort, anything is possible.

Cooper Kupp’s journey is a reminder that success often comes after overcoming challenges. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of life.