A soccer family
Cooper Kupp is 28 years old and was born in Washington State. In his family, the NFL, we know. Jake, his grandfather, played there as a tight end from 1964 to 1975, mainly in New Orleans. He was elected once to the Pro Bowl (the All Star Game of the NFL). Craig, Cooper’s dad, had a lightning career, playing only one season and one game with the Phoenix Cardinals in 1991.
Star of a small university
In 2013, Kupp joined Eastern Washington, whose team plays in Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the D1 bis of the University Championship. There, the young receiver shone in his first year. When he completed his four-year course, Cooper Kupp held the records for receptions, yards and touchdowns for an FCS receiver. In 2017, he was invited to the Senior Bowl, an All Stars match that brings together the best university players from the real D1. It allowed him to score points with NFL scouts. Kupp was eventually chosen in the third round of the draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
He misses a Super Bowl
Cooper Kupp started with the Rams at the end of his first pro season in 2017. He finished the year with very good stats (62 receptions, 869 yards, 5 TD’s). The following season, on the other hand, was more painful. Kupp injured his knee twice and had to give up at the end of the Championship. It was as a spectator that he saw Los Angeles qualify for the Super Bowl. His team was defeated there by the New England Patriots and Tom Brady (3-13).
A great 2019 season
Cooper Kupp really exploded in the NFL during the 2019 season. He signed 94 receptions for a gain of 1161 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. On day eight of the regular season, Kupp gained 220 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s the first (and so far only) time in his career where he’s gone over 200 yards in a game. Despite this great season, Kupp was not invited to the Pro Bowl. It must be said that that year many receivers had distinguished themselves: Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans…
At the top of the NFL this season
After 14 regular season days (out of 18), Cooper Kupp is currently the No. 1 NFL receiver this year. He leads in receptions (113), yards gained (1,489) and touchdowns (12). And Kupp already has eight games over 100 yards. He had signed his best performance of the season, from the second day, with 163 yards gained against Indianapolis.
Monday, at the conclusion of the 14th day, against Arizona (30-23), Cooper Kupp received 13 passes for 123 yards and a TD. And the Rams are also having a great season with nine wins in 13 games. The playoffs are getting closer. And Kupp could shine there, three years after missing the Super Bowl trip.