Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp – Life, Career, and Notable Insights

Discover the journey of Cooper Kupp, the American NFL wide receiver born June 15, 1993, from Yakima, Washington to college stardom and the pros. Explore his early life, records, career highlights, personality, and key quotes.

Introduction

Cooper Douglas Kupp (born June 15, 1993) is an American professional football player, best known for his role as a wide receiver. Over his career, Kupp has earned acclaim for his consistency, route-running, clutch performances, and record-breaking seasons.

His rise—from relative underrecruitment in high school to dominating in the NFL—offers lessons in perseverance, preparation, and maximizing opportunity in a hyper-competitive sport.

Early Life and Family

Kupp was born in Yakima, Washington. He comes from a football family:

• His father, Craig Kupp, played quarterback in the NFL.

• His grandfather, Jake Kupp, was an NFL offensive lineman who had a lengthy career and is honored in the Saints’ history.

Because of this lineage, Cooper is part of one of just a handful of families in NFL history with three generations drafted.

In high school at Davis High School in Yakima, Kupp was a multi-sport athlete (football and basketball). 60 receptions for 1,059 yards and 18 touchdowns—while contributing in other ways (rushing, total touchdowns).

Interestingly, despite his high school productivity, Kupp did not receive a major college scholarship offer initially.

Youth and Education (College Career)

Kupp joined Eastern Washington University (EWU), a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, where his impact was massive.

Some standout moments and achievements:

• In 2013 (his first active season), Kupp recorded 93 catches, 1,691 yards, and 21 touchdowns—earning national recognition.

• He won the Jerry Rice Award in 2013 (given to FCS top freshman) 

• In 2015, he caught 114 passes for 1,642 yards and 19 touchdowns, and won the Walter Payton Award (given to top FCS offensive player) 

• In 2016 (his senior year), he posted 117 receptions, 1,700 yards, 17 TDs, breaking multiple FCS and all-division NCAA career records.

By the time he finished college, Kupp held these major career records:

• 428 receptions (FCS career record)

• 6,464 receiving yards (all-division NCAA record)

• 73 receiving touchdowns (FCS record)

His consistency, durability, and ability to produce at a high level in a less-heralded program made him a standout prospect.

Pro Career and Achievements

NFL Entry & Early Seasons

Kupp was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (69th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft. 62 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Over subsequent seasons, Kupp steadily grew in prominence:

• 2018: He became a starter but suffered a torn ACL late in the season, truncating his year.

• 2019: He returned strong, posting 94 catches, 1,161 yards, 10 TDs.

• 2020: He recorded 92 receptions and 974 yards in 15 games.

2021: Historic Season & Super Bowl Run

The 2021 season stands as the apex of Kupp’s career to date:

• He achieved the receiving “Triple Crown”—leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16).

• His 1,947 receiving yards rank second all time in a season, behind only Calvin Johnson (1,964).

• In the postseason, he caught 33 passes (an NFL record for a single postseason) and totaled 478 yards with 6 touchdowns in four games.

• In Super Bowl LVI, against the Bengals, Kupp caught two touchdown passes (including the game-winner) and was named Super Bowl MVP.

• That same year, he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and earned First-team All-Pro honors.

Later Years & Recent Moves

After 2021, injuries and team changes began to play a larger role in Kupp’s story:

• In 2022, he signed a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension with the Rams.

• However, later seasons were disrupted by injuries.

• In 2024, he had 67 receptions, 710 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 12 games, despite missing time with an ankle injury.

• In early March 2025, the Rams released Kupp after being unable to trade him.

• Shortly thereafter, on March 14, 2025, Kupp signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, marking a return to his home region (Washington).

This move to Seattle is seen as a “homecoming,” given his youth in Washington and previous college proximity.

Legacy and Influence

Kupp’s legacy already stands tall for several reasons:

• His 2021 season is widely regarded as one of the best for a receiver in NFL history.

• His postseason performance and Super Bowl MVP cemented his status as a playmaker in big moments.

• At the college level, he redefined what excellence looks like in FCS, setting all-division NCAA records.

• His perseverance—from underrecruitment in high school to overcoming injury—serves as an inspirational arc.

• The move to Seattle in 2025 suggests a potential second chapter, where he can re-establish dominance closer to home.

If he stays healthy, his later years may further bolster his Hall of Fame credentials, especially given his record-setting output and consistency.

Personality, Work Ethic & Public Statements

Kupp is frequently described as a hard worker, detail-oriented, and humble. His success is often tied to his attention to route precision, studying defenses, and chemistry with quarterbacks.

He is also known as a devout Christian, and faith is part of his public identity.

On family, Kupp married Anna Croskrey in June 2015.

While Kupp is not as widely quoted as some athletes, several remarks reflect his mindset:

“I feel like I’ve got a lot of good football left in me.” — Said in early 2025 after recent injury-plagued seasons. “Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever…” — After being informed of trade plans by the Rams.

These reflect resilience, focus on future performance, and a refusal to let setbacks define him.

Lessons from Cooper Kupp

1. Maximize every opportunity
   Kupp turned modest attention in high school into elite production in college and beyond.

2. Consistency builds credibility
   His long string of high-output seasons made him a trusted and reliable target.

3. Resilience matters
   After injuries and adversity, he continues to push forward—moving teams, rehabbing, staying motivated.

4. Stay humble and grounded
   Despite stardom, Kupp is often praised for his off-field demeanor, faith, and focus on relationships.

5. Legacy is built in peaks and seasons, not just one moment
   While 2021 was a pinnacle, his entire arc—from youth through mid-career—adds depth and meaning.

Conclusion

Cooper Kupp’s story is one of quiet ascent, dominance, and adaptability. From Yakima, Washington, to NCAA record-holder to NFL standout, his journey exemplifies how sustained effort, smart play, and mental strength can elevate a player beyond expectations.

As he embarks on his next chapter with Seattle, many fans will watch to see whether he can recapture peak form and add new milestones. But even today, Kupp’s career offers enduring lessons in ambition, perseverance, and the art of excellence.