During Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, Cooper Kupp initially appeared invisible. The 32-year-old wide receiver did not catch either of the targets that came his way in the first half. To the casual observer, it seemed like the former Super Bowl MVP from the Rams was struggling in a critical matchup against his former team.
However, Kupp’s early absence from the box score belied the influence he would have later in the game. His performance would ultimately prove decisive in Seattle’s 31-27 victory, securing a Super Bowl LX appearance against the New England Patriots. This game also served as a personal vindication for Kupp, who had been released by the Rams in March 2025, ending an eight-year tenure filled with accomplishments and Super Bowl success.
Cooper Kupp Overcomes Adversity, Proves Value With Leadership And Clutch Performances
The circumstances of Kupp’s release from the Rams were difficult. After the 2024 season, the team suggested he retire rather than negotiate a salary reduction. Sources indicated that some officials had advised other teams against offering more than the veteran minimum, questioning Kupp’s durability and effectiveness given his age and past injuries. Kupp felt disrespected and believed the organization had underestimated him.
Kupp’s relationship with the Rams became strained as the team favored younger talent like Puka Nacua, a 2023 fifth-round pick who quickly became a star. Kupp saw a sharp reduction in plays designed for him, further fueling his frustration. He returned from a high-ankle sprain to help the Rams recover from a 1-4 start, but the relationship remained distant. Even after the team officially released him, key figures did not personally thank him for his contributions, leaving Kupp feeling undervalued despite maintaining positive ties with head coach Sean McVay and teammates such as quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Cooper Kupp (NFL)Kupp signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Seahawks and immediately became a critical part of the team. His presence impacted both performance and culture, particularly with younger players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba. During OTAs, Kupp emphasized the importance of focusing on the process over results, influencing Smith-Njigba’s development and approach to the game.
His arrival also created a sense of motivation among Seahawks players who had experienced similar situations of being undervalued in the NFL. Veteran linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who had also been discarded by the Rams, noted that Kupp’s example reinforced the importance of perseverance and dedication.
Kupp’s redemption story was intertwined with the Seahawks-Rams rivalry. Earlier in the season, the teams met twice, and one game included a controversial red-zone fumble by Kupp. The play sparked a heated confrontation between the two coaching staffs, nearly escalating into a physical altercation in the elevator connecting the upper boxes to the field. These incidents increased the stakes for the NFC Championship matchup.
When Sunday arrived, the rivalry provided a backdrop for Kupp’s second-half heroics. The Seahawks trusted him to perform in crucial moments, and Kupp responded with clutch plays that showcased his skill, preparation, and resilience.
Kupp’s second-half contributions were critical to Seattle’s victory. He made three of the most decisive plays in the game, including a 13-yard touchdown reception to score the team’s final points, a catch-and-lunge conversion in the final minutes, and drawing a defensive holding penalty on the Rams that halted a late drive.
His influence extended beyond catches and yardage. Kupp executed critical blocks for teammates, helping Smith-Njigba gain 12 yards on a key screen pass. On third-and-3 from the 13-yard line, Kupp caught a pass from Sam Darnold, broke through multiple defenders, and scored the decisive touchdown. Later, he contributed to a holding call against the Rams that prevented them from mounting a comeback. With only 25 seconds left, Seattle maintained possession and prevented Los Angeles from reclaiming the lead.
Cooper Kupp Demonstrates Leadership, Mentorship, And Resilience While Driving Seahawks’ Super Bowl Success
Kupp’s impact went far beyond his on-field statistics. He led by example, showing younger players the importance of work ethic, preparation, and team-first mentality. Rashid Shaheed, a midseason acquisition, highlighted Kupp’s consistent commitment to the run game and blocking, describing him as a player who improves everyone around him. Left tackle Charles Cross also praised Kupp’s attitude and dedication, emphasizing his influence on team cohesion and performance.
Cooper Kupp (NFL)Sam Darnold noted that Kupp demonstrated leadership even when he received no targets, highlighting his ability to guide teammates and maintain a positive influence. According to Darnold, Kupp’s approach to the game provides lessons not only for young athletes but for all players facing adversity.
Kupp’s performance served as both personal and professional vindication. The wide receiver, once dismissed as past his prime, proved that doubts about his age and injuries were unfounded. His skill, determination, and consistency under pressure showed why he remains one of the NFL’s most effective receivers. The Seahawks’ decision to sign him has paid off, both in terms of on-field performance and team culture.
Kupp’s story also underscores the importance of trust, opportunity, and leadership in professional sports. By performing when it mattered most and demonstrating selfless commitment to his teammates, he became indispensable to Seattle’s Super Bowl run
Cooper Kupp’s journey from being released by the Rams to delivering a decisive NFC Championship performance illustrates resilience, skill, and leadership. His contributions in key moments, combined with his mentorship and professionalism, helped the Seahawks secure a Super Bowl berth and proved critics wrong.
The narrative highlights the importance of opportunity and environment in professional sports. Kupp’s experience demonstrates that even when undervalued or overlooked, persistence, preparation, and dedication can lead to extraordinary outcomes. His performance in the NFC Championship confirms his status as one of the league’s most complete and impactful players.
Cooper Kupp’s story is a reminder that in football, greatness is often measured not just by statistics but by influence, leadership, and the ability to rise when it matters most.
