Cooper Kupp: A Football Journey from Yakima to NFL Star
Cooper Kupp, a renowned NFL wide receiver, was born on June 15, 1993, in Yakima, Washington. Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 208 pounds, Kupp is a formidable force on the football field.
Family Roots in Football
Football runs deep in the Kupp family veins. Cooper is the son of Craig Kupp, a former NFL quarterback who was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Craig Kupp had his own NFL career, playing for the Phoenix Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys in 1991. The football legacy doesn’t stop there; Cooper’s grandfather, Jake Kupp, was an NFL offensive lineman. The Kupp family holds a unique place in NFL history, being one of just five families with three generations drafted into the league.
Early Years: A Star in the Making
Cooper Kupp’s journey to NFL stardom began at Davis High School in Yakima, where he graduated in 2012. Here, he showcased his athletic prowess as a two-sport athlete in football and basketball. His remarkable skills on the football field earned him recognition as a two-way All-State selection, excelling both as a defensive back and receiving honorable mention accolades as a wide receiver.
During his senior year, Kupp was instrumental in leading Davis High School to a state championship, finishing the season with a remarkable 60 receptions for 1,059 yards and 18 touchdowns, setting a school record with 22 total touchdowns. His impressive stats didn’t stop there; he also made 11 rushes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. These accomplishments contributed significantly to Davis’ success, coming just one game away from a berth in the Washington State 4A Playoffs. Kupp’s high school football journey was capped off with a career total of 110 catches for 2,100 yards.
Kupp was not limited to football; he was also a three-year letter winner in basketball. In his senior year, he played a pivotal role in Davis High School’s victory in the State 4A Tournament championship.
College Glory at Eastern Washington
After his impressive high school career, Kupp continued his football journey at Eastern Washington University from 2013 to 2016. His college football stint was nothing short of spectacular. Kupp amassed 428 receptions, racking up 6,464 yards and an astounding 73 receiving touchdowns.
Throughout his college career, Kupp achieved numerous accolades, including being a four-time First Team FCS All-American and a two-time recipient of the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year award. His remarkable performance even earned him the prestigious Jerry Rice Award.
NFL Debut and Rising Stardom
In the 2017 NFL Draft, Cooper Kupp was chosen in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams, making him the 69th overall pick. His selection marked a significant milestone, as he became the second-highest pick in Eastern Washington University’s history.
Upon entering the NFL, Kupp formed a dynamic partnership with Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff. Their connection was strengthened as they spent weeks living together after the draft, honing their skills, studying defensive strategies, and mastering the playbook. In a short span of 26 games, Kupp’s impressive stats included 125 receptions, over 1,700 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
Kupp’s dedication to his craft paid off, and in 2021, he earned the Offensive Player of the Year award, achieving the triple crown by leading all receivers in receptions, touchdowns, and yards.
Playoff Heroics and Super Bowl Glory
Kupp’s star continued to rise as he played a pivotal role in the Rams’ journey to the Super Bowl. In the Wild Card Round against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. In the Divisional Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kupp had nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown, playing a critical role in the Rams’ victory.
In the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, Kupp’s exceptional performance included 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Los Angeles Rams to their second Super Bowl appearance since 2018. In the Super Bowl, Kupp scored his first career Super Bowl touchdown, helping secure victory and earning him the Super Bowl MVP title.
Cooper Kupp’s journey from Yakima to NFL stardom is not only a testament to his athletic prowess but also a tribute to his family’s football legacy. With remarkable skills and a passion for the game, Kupp continues to shine as one of the NFL’s brightest stars, leaving a lasting mark on the league’s history.
