Diljit Dosanjh

Cooper Kupp is one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL, renowned for his elite route-running, precise catching ability, and outstanding football IQ. His rise to stardom is a story of hard work, perseverance, and exceeding expectations, a narrative that mirrors the career trajectories of many overlooked but incredibly talented athletes. As of 2024, Kupp plays for the Los Angeles Rams, where he has become a centerpiece of their offense and one of the league’s most productive and reliable players.

Early Life and Background

Cooper Douglas Kupp was born on June 15, 1993, in Yakima, Washington, into a family with a rich football legacy. His father, Craig Kupp, was a former NFL quarterback, and his grandfather, Jake Kupp, was an offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints and a member of their Hall of Fame. Football, therefore, ran in Kupp's blood from an early age, but he wasn’t handed any shortcuts on his journey to success.

Growing up in Washington, Kupp attended Davis High School, where he was a two-sport star, excelling in both football and basketball. Despite his talent, Kupp was overlooked by major college programs. Many scouts deemed him too slow or not athletic enough to succeed at the Division I level. In a world where physical attributes often determine a player's fate, Kupp’s intangible qualities, like his work ethic, football intelligence, and hands, went unnoticed.

As a result, Kupp received no FBS scholarship offers and ended up playing at Eastern Washington University, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school. It was there that he would begin to write one of the most remarkable underdog stories in modern football history.

College Career: Eastern Washington University (2013–2016)

Kupp’s time at Eastern Washington was nothing short of spectacular. Despite being an unheralded recruit, he wasted no time making an impact on the field. As a freshman in 2013, Kupp set multiple FCS records, catching 93 passes for 1,691 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was named the recipient of the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman in the FCS, and earned All-American honors.

Over the course of his four-year college career, Kupp continued to produce eye-popping numbers, breaking records almost every season. By the time he graduated, he had set FCS records for career receptions (428), receiving yards (6,464), and touchdowns (73). His 6,464 receiving yards still stand as the most in NCAA history at any level, a testament to his consistency and dominance.

Despite his success, Kupp still faced doubts about his ability to transition to the NFL. Scouts questioned whether his production was a byproduct of playing against weaker competition in the FCS rather than an indication of NFL-level talent. Nevertheless, Kupp had proven that he could excel against high-level competition, including standout performances against Pac-12 teams like Oregon and Washington.

2017 NFL Draft and Transition to the NFL

Kupp entered the 2017 NFL Draft as a prospect with mixed reviews. Many analysts praised his hands, route-running, and football IQ, but there were lingering concerns about his speed and athleticism. Kupp's performance at the NFL Combine didn't blow anyone away; he ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, considered slow for a wide receiver. However, his overall football acumen and ability to make plays in-game were undeniable.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Kupp in the third round with the 69th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Rams head coach Sean McVay, known for his innovative offensive schemes, saw something special in Kupp and believed that he could be an integral part of the team's offense.

NFL Career

2017 Season: A Promising Rookie Year

Kupp quickly made an impact in his rookie season. He developed a strong rapport with Rams quarterback Jared Goff, who was entering his second year in the league. Kupp's versatility as a slot receiver allowed him to fit seamlessly into McVay’s offense, which was designed to create mismatches for receivers. Kupp finished his rookie campaign with 62 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

While Kupp didn’t immediately emerge as a superstar, his football intelligence, ability to find soft spots in defenses, and sure hands stood out. His chemistry with Goff would only grow stronger over the coming seasons.

2018 Season: A Breakthrough Cut Short

The 2018 season saw Kupp continue to ascend. Through the first half of the season, he was one of the Rams’ most reliable and productive weapons. However, his season came to a devastating halt in Week 10 when he tore his ACL in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Up until that point, Kupp had amassed 40 receptions for 566 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games, playing a key role in the Rams’ 8-0 start to the season.

Despite the injury, the Rams went on to reach the Super Bowl that year, but many analysts believed that the absence of Kupp in the biggest game of the season was a crucial factor in their eventual loss to the New England Patriots. The Rams’ offense struggled to move the ball in Super Bowl LIII, and Kupp’s ability to exploit mismatches and make tough catches was sorely missed.

2019 Season: Return from Injury and Breakout

Kupp returned in 2019 stronger than ever, and the 2019 season marked his true breakout year in the NFL. He finished the season with 94 receptions for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving that the ACL injury had not diminished his ability to play at an elite level. Kupp’s combination of route-running precision, quickness out of his breaks, and football IQ allowed him to consistently get open against some of the best defenses in the league.

That year, Kupp recorded his first 1,000-yard season, and he was named a team captain, underscoring his leadership qualities. While the Rams missed the playoffs, Kupp’s individual performance solidified his status as one of the top receivers in the league.

2020 Season: Continued Success

In the 2020 season, Kupp continued to be a focal point of the Rams’ offense. Though his touchdown numbers dipped, he remained one of the most productive receivers in the league, finishing the season with 92 receptions for 974 yards. The Rams returned to the playoffs that year, but their offensive inconsistency limited their postseason success.

Throughout the 2020 season, Kupp remained a key target for Goff, but the Rams' offense appeared to lack the explosiveness it had in previous years. The Rams ultimately decided to part ways with Goff after the season and traded for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, a move that would change the trajectory of Kupp's career.

2021 Season: The Triple Crown and Super Bowl MVP

The 2021 season was the pinnacle of Kupp’s career thus far. With Matthew Stafford now leading the offense, Kupp enjoyed an unprecedented season, emerging as the league's most dominant receiver. He achieved the rare feat of the "Triple Crown" in receiving, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). Kupp became only the fourth receiver in NFL history to accomplish this feat, joining legends like Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, and Steve Smith Sr.

Kupp's 1,947 receiving yards were the second-highest in NFL history for a single season, just behind Calvin Johnson’s 1,964 yards in 2012. His performance earned him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, a rare achievement for a wide receiver, and he was selected to his first Pro Bowl and named a First-Team All-Pro.

But Kupp’s historic season didn’t end there. The Rams made a deep playoff run, reaching Super Bowl LVI, where they faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kupp played a crucial role in the Rams' 23-20 victory, catching eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score late in the fourth quarter. For his efforts, Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming only the eighth wide receiver in NFL history to win the award.

2022 Season: Injuries and Setbacks

After his historic 2021 campaign, Kupp entered the 2022 season with high expectations. However, the season was a disappointing one for both Kupp and the Rams. The team struggled with injuries, and Kupp himself was limited by an ankle injury that forced him to miss the latter part of the season. In the nine games he played, Kupp was still highly productive, recording 75 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns. Despite his efforts, the Rams failed to make the playoffs in a season marred by injuries and inconsistent play.

2023 and Beyond

Heading into the 2023 season, Kupp remained one of the most respected and feared wide receivers in the NFL. The Rams were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season, and Kupp was expected to be at the center of their offensive game plan once again. His chemistry with Stafford and his ability to make plays in clutch situations ensured that he would continue to be one of the league’s elite playmakers.

Playing Style and Skills

Kupp is not the fastest or most physically imposing wide receiver in the NFL, but what sets him apart is his precision, football intelligence, and work ethic. His route-running is considered among the best in the league; he has an innate ability to create separation from defenders, especially on short and intermediate routes.

Kupp's understanding of defensive coverages allows him to find soft spots in zones and exploit mismatches in man coverage. His hands are elite—rarely does he drop passes, and he has a knack for making contested catches in traffic. Additionally, Kupp's blocking ability is often overlooked but plays a significant role in the success of the Rams’ running game.

Kupp’s success also stems from his relentless work ethic. He is known for his meticulous preparation, spending hours studying film and breaking down defensive schemes. His attention to detail and commitment to improving every facet of his game have made him one of the most well-rounded wide receivers in the NFL.

Legacy

As of 2024, Cooper Kupp has cemented himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. His journey from an overlooked recruit at an FCS school to a Super Bowl MVP and record-setting wide receiver is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Kupp’s 2021 season will be remembered as one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history, and his performance in Super Bowl LVI further solidified his place in the annals of football lore.

Kupp's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that hard work, determination, and a high football IQ can overcome the odds stacked against you. With many years potentially left in his career, Kupp has the chance to further build on his legacy and continue to etch his name among the all-time greats in NFL history.