Cooper Kupp: A Leader on and off the Field
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — As the massive day approaches, Cooper Kupp is making waves both on and off the field, donning a T-shirt in full support of quarterback Sam Darnold during a press event. The experienced wide receiver, now with the Seattle Seahawks, is gearing up for a significant milestone — facing the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. This contest marks a unique moment in NFL history as Kupp prepares to be only the sixth player ever to win a Super Bowl MVP and then compete in another Super Bowl with a different franchise after previously achieving these accolades with the Los Angeles Rams.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
Despite missing out on individual honors this season, such as the AP Offensive Player of the Year and the receiving triple crown, Kupp has formed strong bonds with his new teammates. Among those expressing admiration is Dareke Young, who has highlighted Kupp’s remarkable selflessness. This quality is particularly notable given that Kupp is now the second wide receiver in the lineup behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL in receiving yards this season.
“Some players might find it difficult to adjust to such a role, but you can’t tell if it bothers him or not,”
Young mentioned, reflecting on Kupp’s team-first mentality.
Kupp, at 32 years old, has exemplified leadership in various facets, especially through rigorous preparation ahead of the Super Bowl. He emphasized the importance of following a structured routine in response to the high stakes of the game.
“It’s essential to manage our business and stick to our process,”
he stated thoughtfully.
Impact on Teammates
When Kupp does engage with teammates, his words resonate deeply, drawing complete attention from those listening. Sam Darnold noted,
“Whenever he speaks, the room falls silent; everyone is focused because he provides valuable insights that matter to both the players and coaching staff. He has made a significant impact here.”
Kupp’s standout quality this season, however, has been his exceptional run-blocking ability. In a campaign where the Seahawks ranked 10th for rushing yards per game, Kupp established a high standard, using his skills to effectively mitigate his size at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds.
“He may not dominate the weight room, but his technique is always on point, especially when facing bigger opponents,”
Young added.
His willingness to engage physically, particularly in blocking scenarios, is admired, especially after the injuries Kupp battled during his last three seasons in Los Angeles, leading to his eventual release. This year, he approached his practice regimens cautiously, managing to participate in 16 of 17 games and contributing significantly with 593 receiving yards, just shy of being the leading receiver on the team.
Mentorship and Future Aspirations
For younger teammates such as Rashid Shaheed, who once looked up to Kupp during his illustrious collegiate career at Eastern Washington, having Kupp as a mentor is invaluable.
“I learn from his practices, his meetings; he’s essentially like having an additional coach on the field,”
Shaheed noted, further praising Kupp’s intelligence and professionalism.
Looking ahead, Kupp has made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate future. He brushed off inquiries about hanging up his cleats, and offensive lineman Grey Zabel confidently expects Kupp to continue showcasing his talents for multiple seasons, thanks in part to his exceptional football acumen.
As Kupp prepares for what could be a fairytale ending — clinching a second Super Bowl victory — he also shares his wisdom with Smith-Njigba, advising him to stay true to himself amidst the chaos of the Super Bowl. Smith-Njigba reiterated,
“He emphasizes focusing on the process rather than the outcome, so I’ll make sure I’m ready come Sunday.”
Conclusion
In summary, Kupp’s journey highlights not only his skills as a player but also his role as a mentor and leader within the Seahawks organization as they gear up for an important championship showdown.
